CHRISTMAS is about giving.
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That is the message a Bendigo mother is teaching her three-year-old daughter.
Kay How Kee and her daughter Trinity spread the joy on Sunday.
The pair handed out Christmas presents to sick children and their families at Bendigo Health.
Ms How Kee said the visit to the children’s ward was about making a difference and giving back to the community.
“My daughter handed out the presents to each child and wished everyone a Merry Christmas,” she said.
“It was lovely to be able to bring a smile to the children’s faces and their parents.
“One little girl and her mum burst into tears when we gave them a present.
“We just wanted to cheer them up.
“Everyone was so grateful.”
Ms How Kee, who moved from Queensland to Bendigo just five months ago, admitted it would be a difficult time of year to have a sick child in the hospital.
“I count my blessings that I have a healthy daughter,” she said.
Ms How Kee said donating presents at the hospital was also an opportunity to thank hospital staff for the hard work they did throughout the year.
She said it was a good time of year for the community to be reminded of how fortunate they were.
“My daughter and I are not as fortunate as some people,” Ms How Kee said.
“But we do have more things than other people.
“I wanted my daughter to be a good person so I thought it would be a good idea to give back.
“I wanted to teach her that not all children are as fortunate as she is.”
The single mother said after leaving the hospital her daughter had already set aside toys of her own to donate.
Ms How Kee said she was already planning on donating more gifts next year.
She also encouraged others in the community to dig deep and donate.
"One toy can make a difference to a child's life," she said.
kristen.alebakis@fairfaxmedia.com.au