Welcome to The Spirit of Christmas

Every Christmas, Dennis Stevenson, with community help and at no cost, borrows an empty shop and gives away thousands of free presents to help make sure no one goes without.

The 2012 'Spirit of Christmas' shop opened for eight days and closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve having given away over 11,000 presents.

I thank the remarkable people of Brisbane who donated thousands of gifts so others would have a Christmas. The dozens of shop helpers were wonderful with their time, love and generosity. What a team!

Well done to the people who took gifts. It is encouraging that we are so free to receive help. Everyone needs help now and again, whether as material or emotional support or in being given an opportunity.

It was made possible by the wonderful people who loaned me the shop, tables, covers, mirror, racks and fridge, gave free insurance, juice for helpers, superb signs, mowed the lawns and did the photographs. Especially the Onespot team who create and host this very special website free of charge.

I thank the lovely media people. So supportive in telling everyone. What a valuable job they do.

I live by the code, "If it excites you to help - help!" and "If you need help - ask!" Why not do so as well?

To all, have a very special and loving time as we journey through 2013. Let's create our best year ever! 

Christmas shops since 2009:

2009 Burleigh Gold Coast
2010 Nundah, Brisbane
2011 Clayfield, Brisbane
2012 Norman Park, Brisbane
Click HERE for details...
   

Live Broadcast 96.5 FM

96.5 FM did a direct broadcast from the Spirit of Christmas shop Tuesday (18th December 2012) from 3pm to 6pm. What a wonderful team! Many people who visited our shop say they heard about it on 96.5 FM.

This is how Dennis does it. So can you in 2013.

Gather some friends to have the time of your lives. Perhaps three to six generous, reliable people. Meet up and each choose a task you enjoy. Write out some simple steps.

Find and borrow an empty shop with parking. Call it 'Spirit of Christmas (your city)'. Open 3 to 8 days before Xmas. Include Xmas Eve.

Get free Public Liability insurance.

People are very helpful. Borrow tables, stands, mirror etc.

Ask local businesses to donate window/ floor cleaning, shop signs.

Collect new gifts (or anything that looks brand new). Please, nothing 'second hand'. It's a gift shop, not an op shop. Ask people, not businesses as they usually do enough already. Fill the shop for the grand opening.

Tell everyone. Write a News Release. When the lovely folk on TV, radio, papers, groups and clubs hear of the shop, they'll tell everybody and people will bring in lots of new gifts.

Like to open a Spirit of Christmas Shop in 2013? Click here for more info.