By Pam Kiriakidis
Wallan resident Stacey Dennis was sitting on her couch preparing for an interview with the North Central Review about Love in Action’s ‘Don’t Spend Christmas Alone’ campaign, when she received the greatest surprise.
Little did she know the camera and lights that were set up in her front room were for a different story – BGGROUPAU founder Benjamin Gregory presenting her with a $1000 cheque from Coming Together Christmas and Hilltop Caravans.
Ms Dennis said she was still processing the event after accepting the cheque.
“I’m still in shock … I’m just grateful because this year was going to be tough,” she said.
“Things like this don’t happen to me.”
The cheque was organised between Wallan Charity Love in Action and BGGROUPAU, a production company that captured the moment to feature on their new season of Coming Together Christmas.
The Channel 31 television series was sponsored by Wellington Square Shopping Centre with a $2500 donation.
BGGROUPAU and Love in Action selected Ms Dennis as she reminded the team about the Christmas spirit, being described as a ‘superwoman’ who takes care of her family’s health battles and wages.
“The story was so touching and then we went and spoke to Love in Action, and they were like ‘Stacy’s a very deserving family’, and we thought let’s surprise,” Mr Gregory said.
Love in Action Wallan president Sarah Brewer then approached Ms Dennis with a cover story involving an interview with the Review.
“She’s had a few really sort of rough things thrown at her but she just takes it in stride and just get it done, and knows that she has to get it done, because she is that person in her family,” Ms Brewer said.
Following the donation announcement, Mr Gregory invited the Dennis family and Love in Action to speak on camera to share their thoughts.
Ms Dennis said she was oblivious to her husband and mother submitting her story, which led to the cheque.
“I thought I was doing an interview to help Love in Action because I can’t donate or anything because I need their help from time to time,” she said.
Ms Dennis said she would spend the money on buying at least one item from their Christmas wish list.
“I’m blessed with my kids because they know we’re limited for money, so they know that they can ask for things but it’s whether we have the financial ability to get it,” she said.
Mr Gregory said Christmas was about giving back to people, sharing and giving back to the community.
“That’s the only present I need this Christmas, I’ve changed someone’s life and that’s beautiful – that’s all I need,” he said.
Coming Together Christmas will be aired on December 12 and 19 at 8pm on Channel 31.
