Pop-up shop spreads Christmas spirit to Brisbane’s disadvantaged

Some of the most disadvantaged members of our community had the chance to go Christmas shopping, thanks to the Mission Australia Spirit of Christmas Shop.

The one-day pop-up-shop held on 13 December 2011 was set up at the RNA Showgrounds Trading Post, with shoppers coming from Mission Australia's Brisbane services for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

Brisbane Roar Hyundai A-League captain Matt Smith and Youth League players Corey Brown and George Lambadaridis were also on hand to assist with the gift-wrapping and show their support for this important initiative. 

Mission Australia South-east Queensland Acting Operations Manager for Homelessness, Rachel Watson said people who would otherwise be unable to share gifts with their family and friends had the chance to select up to seven gifts from the shop.

“While many of us often complain about doing the Christmas shopping, for some people it’s actually a luxury they would love to afford, but simply can’t,” Ms Watson said.

“The Spirit of Christmas Shop provided people who are homeless or struggling with disadvantage the chance to experience Christmas shopping, so they can personally select gifts to share with their families on Christmas Day.”

Ms Watson thanked the Brisbane Roar players and community volunteers who volunteered to help out. “It’s a real treat for shoppers to have their gifts wrapped by Brisbane Roar stars Thomas Broich and James Meyer,” she said.

“As always, we welcome their support in helping to raise awareness about the challenges facing disadvantaged members of our community. This shop is just one small way we can help people who are struggling, so they too can enjoy the spirit of Christmas.”

New and like-new items were donated by members of the community, ranging from sporting equipment and camping gear to household appliances and toys.

The Mission Australia Spirit of Christmas Shop was open to past and present Roma House residents who are currently homeless, as well as clients at Mission Australia homeless food service Café One on Wickham and families involved in Mission Australia’s Project Circuit Breaker program at Kedron and Referral for Active Intervention program at Deception Bay.

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