In 2009 a free ‘shop’ opened in Burleigh Heads giving away gifts for Christmas – but wait!
There’s actually no ‘but wait’, the gifts were for free.
The Spirit of Christmas shop has appeared in different locations over the years and this years has surfaced in Ocean Shores – and everyone is welcome and everything is free.
The man behind idea Dennis Stevenson says he’s just one of Santa’s helpers. ‘I borrow the shops, get free insurance, free table cloths etc and wonderful volunteers.’
The idea is easy – people who have excess stuff, good stuff, new stuff, give to the shop and those who are financially challenged can go take what they need.
Dennis says that quite a few people can’t believe the shop is real. Until they visit. ‘For too many decades we have been erroneously taught that nothing is free.
‘Thousands of things in our lives are free. It just depends on what we put our focus on. We would be wise to change any thought that was not what we really wanted.
‘My view is that “Nothing is too good to be true!” If someone pointed to a new car and said “would you like it” Of course I would say “Yes. Thank you very much,” and as I held my hand out, I’d say “are the keys in it or do you have them.” What more needs to be said?
‘I’ve had free houses to stay in over the years, so I always expect the best. In fact, I live my life by following my excitement, in the moment, as best I can, without expectation. Amazing things keep appearing for me.’
Dennis says that many people buy things to donate. ‘But, I encourage everyone to go through their cupboards and wardrobes and donate the many new and unused things most of us have stored away.
Dennis says already many people have visited the shop and are very grateful. ‘The shop and helpers and those who bring free things in have been wonderful. Really. The people who take their free things are lovely and very appreciative – which is really to those people who have brought the gifts into the shop.
‘I learned early on that love isn’t conditional,’ says Dennis. I know that there is nothing that people can’t achieve. I see miracles happen all the time – one after another. I just keep following up on the ideas that appear.
‘I’ve had many interesting jobs and careers but the only important one was when I became a professional giver.
There is nothing in the world that I gain greater enjoyment from than giving people a hand. This has absolutely nothing to do with money, or in my case, the lack of it. I just use my talents to be of service.
Dennis says giving isn’t just the fastest way to change ourselves and our world. It’s the only way. ‘We’ll all live like this one day. I’m just getting in early to avoid the rush’.
The shop is at the Ocean Shores Shopping Centre on Rajah Rd and is open until 6pm on Tuesday, December 24. For more information visit: www.spiritofchristmas1.com or email: [email protected].
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