Beneath the tree

As Christmas trees appear in shopping centres, we know it’s time to put aside some food and a gift for the annual charity drives, like The Salvation Army’s Wishing Tree at Kmart and The Smith Family’s Toy and Book appeal. Many charities encourage giving gift cards instead of goods, so parents can choose just the right present for their kids. And when donating to Christmas food drives, remember to add some sunscreen and insect repellent. These are sorely needed over the Christmas period and can be priced out of reach for those doing it tough.