Capturing the Spirit of Giving: Behind the Lens of McGrath Caloundra’s 12 Days of Christmas Give Back
/Our recent videography shoot last month for McGrath Caloundra’s 12 Days of Christmas Give Back program was more than just a project—it was a moving reminder of the power of community, generosity, and the unsung heroes who make the Sunshine Coast a better place.
A Season of Stories: Our Heartfelt Experience
As the year races towards its festive crescendo, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of to-do lists, last-minute shopping, and the endless quest for the perfect pavlova.
But every so often, a project comes along that gently presses pause on the chaos and reminds us what the season is truly about: giving back, lifting others, and celebrating the quiet magic of community.
We were genuinely honoured when McGrath Caloundra invited us to create a video for their annual 12 Days of Christmas Give Back program. While pre-production was much like any other shoot, but this wasn’t just another real estate videography shoot—it was a front-row seat to the heart and soul of the Sunshine Coast.
Inspiration in Every Frame
The whole team was a buzz that morning with Christmas spirit, each eager to share the story of a charity close to their heart. Over twelve days, the office would spotlight a different local charity, gifting each a $500 donation and, more importantly, a moment in the community spotlight.
As we filmed, we met volunteers who pour their hearts into helping others, families whose lives have been changed by a simple act of kindness, and staff who believe that real estate is about more than houses—it’s about homes, hope, and human connection.
Some stories bringing us to tears and each a thread in a tapestry of compassion, resilience, and generosity.
Why This Matters: Shining a Light on Local Charities
In the rush towards Christmas, it’s easy to overlook the incredible work happening quietly all around us. The 12 Days of Christmas Give Back program is a beautiful reminder that the spirit of the season isn’t found under a tree—it’s found in the hands that reach out to help, the voices that offer comfort, and the hearts that give without expecting anything in return.
By capturing these stories on film, we hope to inspire others to pause, reflect, and maybe even get involved. Because every act of kindness, no matter how small, creates ripples that can change lives.
Meet the Charities: 12 Days, 12 Reasons to Believe
Here’s a glimpse at the incredible organizations featured in this year’s program. Each one is a beacon of hope, and we encourage you to learn more, donate, or simply share their stories.
Somewhere To Go Foundation
Somewhere To Go Foundation supports women and children impacted by domestic and family violence by offering nurturing, healing-focused programs designed to restore safety, community and independence.
Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre
The Centre provides vital support to the local community through emergency relief, affordable hall hire and inclusive community events. Backed by the Sunshine Coast Council and Caloundra Community Centre, it’s a welcoming hub that helps locals connect, access assistance and feel supported.
Wishlist – Therapy Dogs
Wishlist brings comfort and joy to patients, families and staff in hospital settings through their therapy dog program. Their initiative uses trained dogs to help reduce stress and provide emotional lift in healthcare environments.
Young Veterans
Young Veterans is a community hub for Australian defence force veterans seeking meaningful connection post-service. They offer active, social and outdoor events (camping, surfing, 4WD, coffee catch-ups) and link veterans to employment, health, housing and allied support.
Rosies
Rosies reaches out to people experiencing homelessness, social isolation or loneliness across the Sunshine Coast. Volunteers deliver friendship, cups of tea, warm chats and presence — emphasising belonging and human connection as much as practical support.
Parcels of Peace
Parcels of Peace brings festive relief to families in need at Christmas by delivering hampers and gift-packs of food, toys and essentials. Their mission is to make the season one of dignity, joy and connection rather than isolation.
Grab life by the balls
This is a men’s health and wellbeing charity focused on tackling male isolation and mental-health issues through mateship, social events, chats, catch-ups and community connection. It’s non-clinical, peer-driven and wraps wellness in a friendly, accessible way.
Lily House
Lily House supports vulnerable and at-risk young women and their children across the Sunshine Coast. They offer safe accommodation and wrap-about services tailored for young women transitioning out of foster care or escaping difficult family situations.
Bamboo Projects
Bamboo Projects is a registered charity and NDIS provider delivering outdoor therapies and community participation programs for people with mental-health challenges, disabilities or social isolation. Their offering includes things like fishing trips, accessible boating, clean-ups and connection in nature.
Hope in a Suitcase
Hope in a Suitcase provides new essential items to children entering foster care or out-of-home care — delivering a suitcase filled with personal necessities and a message of value and dignity at a critical moment of transition.
SCARS
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Creek offers a temporary refuge for abandoned, abused, stray or unwanted cats and dogs, and works to find them new loving homes. They also welcome volunteers, sponsorships and support for animal welfare.
Rally for a Cause
Rally for a Cause is a community-led charity that provides meaningful support to families and individuals dealing with life-limiting medical conditions or sudden, heartbreaking circumstances. Their major fundraising event, the Dunga Derby, brings people together to raise vital funds that offer comfort, practical help and financial relief when it is needed most.
The 12 Days of Christmas Give Back program now running for many years by David & Jodie Hedley-Ward (Principal’s of McGrath Coast & Hinterland) not only donate generously $500 to each charity but are providing a space for these charities to come together, connect, share stories with each other which they rarely get to do.
Thank you to McGrath Caloundra for this incredible community initiative!
To see more about these amazing charities looking after Sunshine Coast locals head to : https://mcgrathch.com.au/12-days-2025/#Day%208