Wishes granted in Woodridge Plaza

CHRISTMAS arrived early for many unsuspecting Woodridge shoppers on Friday.

More than 20 adults and children were selected for random acts of kindness and handed pamper packs containing money and goodies for free.

The Wish Group were behind the generosity.

Each week the women's group uses money from their own pockets to buy gifts and deliver them to strangers in the community.

Last week Wish members handed out pamper packs at Woodridge Plaza.

Group member Ela Gibson said the pamper packs included puddings, chocolates, biscuits, hand cream, Christmas decorations, soy candles, toys and money.

"We do this because we like to make people feel good," Ms Gibson said.

"We wanted to do something for Christmas and come to Woodridge where people may be struggling.

"It just lifts my whole day seeing the smiles on people's faces."

Two of those smiles were on the faces of sisters Chiara and Akeisha Wise.

A little shy at first, the three-year-old and four-year-old quickly warmed to their surprise teddy bear gift.

Their mother, Rebecca Wise was also grateful.

"They don't have a teddy bear that big - it's almost bigger than them," she said.

"I think what the Wish Group do is lovely especially with so many families which aren't so well off in this area."