By ALESHA CAPONE
SANTA Claus and his helpers will be in Sunshine a little early this year to help give out 500 presents to children whose families will not have the luxury of a fairytale Christmas.
Kha Nguyen from Goodyear Autocare will be staging Santa @ Sunshine (SOS) on 22 December, with the gifts going to youngsters gathered by the Salvation Army.
The day will also feature a jumping castle, balloons, face-painting, music, singers and a sausage sizzle.
Mr Nguyen said the SOS event would focus on children aged around 15 years and younger.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but I see it as a reward and the smiles on the kid’s faces will be all worth it,” he said.
Family and friends have already volunteered their time to assist out on the day including Mr Nguyen’s brother Andy and sister Michelle, his brother’s friend Anthong Hoang, his wife’s niece Joanne Dang and Tri Nguyen from the Vietnamese magazine Astco.
In addition to Goodyear Autocare, Brimbank businesses like B&T Bakery, Boran Real Estate, Dr Dream Aesthetic Australia, Palace Royal Restaurant, Pho Hien Saigon and Tan Phat Hung Asian Groceries are helping out.
Mr Nguyen said his own youth as a child in a Malaysian refugee camp, when he found a tennis ball which was his only toy, has inspired him to stage Santa @ Sunshine.
“It’s basically looking back at history and what I didn’t have as a child,” he said.
“I believe my dreams have come true already and I believe what is missing is to give something back.”
For more information, contact Mr Nguyen on 0403 343 765 or kha@khaholdings.com.au, or Tri on 04238 14851.
To find out about donating to the event, contact the Salvation Army in Sunshine on 9364 9335.
