MATHEW Winchester is one of those people who started preparing for the coming Christmas even before the sun had set on the last one.
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But his preparations have nothing to do with the Boxing Day sales where those super-motivated, somewhat annoying people begin and even finish their Christmas shopping 364 days out from December 25.
Last year, Mr Winchester dedicated himself to doing something to help other people. It was a small gesture, a simple and easy act, he said at the time.
Mr Winchester extended the sentiments of the season to two Wodonga families – a mother of two children who was going through a bit of a rough patch and a sick mum whose child was bedridden.
Seeing the impact of his modest but admirable gesture inspired the Wodonga security worker to raise the bar.
He put out a shout on Facebook to rally some like-minded people into helping more families that will be doing it tough come Christmas 2015.
He set a goal of providing hampers for 50 families on the Border and with just weeks to go, he is halfway there.
In just 12 months, Mr Winchester has made great strides, describing his altruistic endeavours as being like a second job as he answers emails, runs his Facebook page and puts out collection tins.
But the rewards are immense, he says, knowing that he has embraced the true meaning of the season and the spirit of giving.
His community has also responded to the cause in varying ways, including 50 home-made jars of marmalade and a group of Border Express volunteers at the ready, available to go out and pick up donations.
But there is still time for you to play your part.
Mr Winchester wants people to think about what they would like on their table come Christmas Day, and to consider passing on whatever that might be to a stranger.
Ainsley Stone is like-minded in her approach to the festive season, calling for a simple donation of a can of food to help needy families on the Border.
Ms Stone says all it takes to make a positive impact is a can-do attitude. With 1000 cans already collected and a few weeks to go, you can’t argue with that.