By Tyler Wright
Businesses throughout the Dandenong Ranges are giving big for the third Christmas in the Hills hamper project, with 45 prizes up for grabs in a raffle to be drawn on Friday 16 December at the Royal Hotel in Upper Ferntree Gully.
The idea to create a raffle for the Christmas in the Hills hamper project began in 2020 when Ferntree Gully local Lisa Rodek saw a need to ignite some holiday spirit in the area after lockdown.
Lisa also saw the chance to support local support service Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief (DRERS), with the proceeds from the raffle tickets injected into their vital work.
And the Royal Hotel got on board as well, decorating its exterior with decorations and setting up a Christmas tree at its stair case.
Sooki Lounge and Cameo Cinema in Belgrave, Treetops Adventures, Upwey Pizza and Upwey Groomers and The Butcher Club in Ferntree Gully were some of the first businesses on board when the initiative began, and have contributed each year.
“I’m so appreciative and so flabbergasted at the response,” Lisa said.
“Last year I called someone to tell her she’d won a voucher in the raffle, and she was a single Mum and so grateful because it meant she could put on a nice lunch for her kids.”
The Upwey-Tecoma Cricket Club has donated a B-reserve family pass to the Boxing Day test for this year’s raffle.
“It’s all just about a love of Christmas and the local community, that’s the driver,” Lisa said.
DRERS CEO Tania Bevan said the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting those who need the service.
“Hundreds of people go without. People need food, especially essentials,” Ms Bevan said.
“There is an increased demand this year due to the rising cost of living…emergency relief, especially assistance with payment of utility bills, rent, fuel and food.”
Raffle tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at:
The Royal Hotel Upper Ferntree Gully
Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates Upper Ferntree Gully
Augustus Upper Ferntree Gully
The Basin Pantry
The Basin Butcher
Foodworks Ferntree Gully
Upwey Pizza
Silhouette Grooming Upwey
Upwey Tecoma Cricket Club
Belgrave Book Barn
Belgrave Bakery
Blacksmith Cafe Belgrave
Micawber Tavern Belgrave
Prizes will be drawn at Friday 16 December on the grand staircase of the the Royal Hotel, located on Rose Street in Upper Ferntree Gully.
