Ralton Property Group provides Christmas spark for sick kids

Sydney-based Ralton Property Group is doing its best to help spread Christmas cheer, donating more than 70 presents to lift the spirits of patients at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Managing director Harj Uppal said charity work was a big priority at Ralton, with the need to help those less fortunate even greater in 2020 due to the unprecedented economic upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The presents were distributed to patients this week, bringing some much needed light into the lives of those affected by illness, and brightening the spirits of Sydney Children’s Hospital staff.

“Christmas is a stressful time for anyone, no matter what your position is, there’s the presents, there are occasions and there are a lot of things that people have to take into consideration,’ Mr Uppal said.

“I’m lucky enough to be in a position where I can do certain things, whereas a lot of these other families can’t, especially families who are going through serious illness, kids that are having treatment and who are sick, it’s really hard for them not just on a monetary level, but on an emotional level as well.”

While Mr Uppal said the toy run also included gifts for hospital staff, it was the children being treated that were Ralton’s major focus.

"It was really more aimed at the children, because a lot of these parents aren’t in a position to do what they would usually be able to do for their kids,” he said.

“Even though people are saying things are great, they are only great for people who are still in a position to have these opportunities. 

“We want to give something back to lift their morale a little bit, make them feel better, and let them know that the community cares for them.”

The toy run is the latest in a series of community-related initiatives run by Ralton, which has spent several years working with homeless shelters and women’s refuges across Sydney and making donations to various other charitable organisations.

“We had a really good end of year run, we closed off a couple of deals and we are probably going to have to work over the break because we’ve got a lot in the pipeline, but with all that aside, it’s important to give,” Mr Uppal said.

“Being personally aware of the responsibility you have to give back to your community is really important, especially in times like 2020 and COVID. 

"It’s a great bonding experience for the team, and it really lifted morale.

“Everyone felt really good because we saw all the smiles on the faces of all the staff, the staff were all very responsive and grateful, and it was not about what we did, it was about what we gave. 

“Even a small gesture can make a huge impact because you don’t know how hard people are actually doing it.

“Sometimes it can just be a conversation with someone that’s really struggling, but just having that gesture of caring is really important. 

“I come from a Sikh background, and it’s one of the pillars of my culture to do that, but it’s not even about that for me, it’s just about being a good human being.”