Christmas is as much a time for indulgence as it is a time to give back.
Armed with this philosophy (and some serious Christmas cheer), Take 5 writers Mitch and Megs took to the streets of Wollongong, NSW, to hand out some early Christmas gifts in the form of $100 notes.
But that wasn’t the best part – the excitable recipients then shared their own personal stories with Take 5, and some of them really got us thinking.
From heart wrenching stories of loss, to quirky tales of best friends, sisters and style twins.
Keep scrolling as we explore some of the heartwarming and inspiring stories of every day people who are experiencing extraordinary things.
Mabel Suddick and Evelyn Cracknell, 83, from Woonona
Take 5 was our sister’s favourite magazine.
She bought it every week and did the crosswords.
Sadly, she passed away this year. We twinnies dress in the same outfits every day.
We’ve both lost our husbands now but they both thought it was great.
Men often stop us when we’re shopping to say how much they love our identical outfits.
I think we’ll use this generous gift to go shopping for a Christmas outfit.
Jeanette Cain, 74, from Fairy Meadow
We’re not going to celebrate Christmas until next year because I’ve been in the wars lately.
I’ve got a stress fracture in my foot which isn’t healing and I need surgery – I’ll be out of action for six months over Christmas.
I’ve just had a skin cancer removed from my face too.
But, I’m still here and this money has really cheered me up.
Thanks Take 5!
Noeline Conrick, 97, from Kanahooka
You’ve just made my day!
December is a big month: I turn 98 and I’m thrilled to have made it so far.
People always ask what the key to happiness at my age is and I tell them, “Don’t dwell on the past or your health problems, and take each day as it comes.”
Rita Lock, 91, from Tarawanna
What? $100…for me? It’s not been the greatest year – my husband Vincent passed away at 96 in February.
We’d been together for 70 years after meeting in the navy.
It’s my first Christmas without him so my daughter Lorraine is taking me to Darling Harbour for a mini-break.
She’s going to push me around in my wheelchair. I’m going to use this money to buy her a lovely gift!
Dorothy Adamson, 83, from Corrimal.
Really? I can’t believe you’re just giving me $100.
Christmas has never been the same in my family since we lost my son Edward on Christmas Day four years ago.
And this year will be the first without my husband Edward so it’s not going to be easy celebrating with him missing.
I’ll use the cash to buy Christmas presents for the family as they’ve been so supportive.
Norma Walsh, 77, from Woonona.
How lovely of you.
I can’t deny that it’s been a hard year for me, losing both my sister Ethel and brother in-law Allan.
I hadn’t really thought much about Christmas, but now you’ve really made me smile.
Thank you so much.
Dorothy Rauscher, 74, Corrimal
What? I’ve never won anything before.
Maybe my luck is changing now? I’m going to a wedding soon so I can use this money to buy myself a nice dress to wear.
I’ve just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six weeks ago.
It won’t stop me volunteering for the Lions Club and Cancer Council, though.
I’m not going to let Parkinson’s defeat me.
I just want to carry on as normal.
Celebrity Christmas Trees
Juanita Jeffree, 84, from Balgownie.
I’ve never won anything in my life and after a pretty bad year this is a lovely gesture.
I recently lost my darling grandson, and now his dog, Angel, lives with me.
I’ve got 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandsons so Christmas is a busy time, but I think I’ll use this money to buy something for myself.
Colleen Villa, 78, from Corrimal
Goodness me, this will be a great help!
This year has been fantastic for me – I’ve just returned from a trip to my brother’s place in Queensland.
The whole family is coming to my house for an early Christmas, so now I can put on a real show for them.
