ArtSHINE Community Spotlight- Celebrating the Spirit of Giving: The 3rd Annual Tree of Friendship Launches This Festive Season

Market City, Haymarket – Tree of Friendship

At ArtSHINE, we believe creativity shines brightest when it brings people together.
This festive season, we are proud to support a meaningful community initiative that does exactly that — the 3rd Annual Tree of Friendship, launching on Friday, 28 November 2025 at 12 noon at Market City Shopping Centre, Haymarket.

Led with heart, dedication, and kindness by Kaila Cruz from the Rotary Club of Sydney, the Tree of Friendship has become a tradition that unites our diverse community. This year, ArtSHINE is honoured to stand alongside the Rotary Club of Sydney, Market City, the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce,  Community Bank Darling Square  and Wespac as project partners and supporters.

For us, this project is much more than a seasonal activity — it reflects the values at the core of ArtSHINE: creativity, compassion, connection, and community impact.

🎄 About the Tree of Friendship

During November and December, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree will be placed in the Market City activity centre. But this tree carries a purpose beyond decoration — it becomes a symbol of generosity and hope.

The community is invited to place gifts under the tree for children aged 6–12, with a focus on:

🎁 Sports & outdoor activity toys

🎨 Arts & crafts supplies

🤝 Items that encourage PLAY, CONNECTION & FRIENDSHIP

These gifts help young people build confidence, creativity, and friendships — things we believe are essential to every child’s growth.

As an organisation deeply rooted in creative education and community connection, ArtSHINE is passionate about initiatives that help young people discover self-expression, develop new skills, and experience the joy of creating and connecting with others.

💛 Why ArtSHINE Supports This Project

ArtSHINE’s mission has always extended beyond the studio or the gallery. We are committed to building strong, healthy, creative communities — especially in areas like Haymarket where culture, diversity, and creativity thrive.

We believe in:

  • Creating opportunities for children to discover creativity

  • Supporting community-led initiatives that make a real difference

  • Strengthening partnerships across the arts, business, and community sectors

  • Using creativity as a bridge to build belonging and connection

The Tree of Friendship reflects these values beautifully. A simple gift — a paint set, a ball, a puzzle — can open doors to imagination, teamwork, and new friendships. And that is precisely the kind of impact ArtSHINE is proud to champion.

🌟 Join ArtSHINE at the Launch

We warmly invite you to join ArtSHINE and our community partners to celebrate the launch:

📅 Friday, 28 November 2025

🕛 12 noon

📍 Market City Shopping Centre, Haymarket

Bring a gift if you are able — or simply attend to show your support.
Every presence, every smile, every shared moment contributes to the spirit of the Tree of Friendship.

🎁 Together, We Can Make This Season Brighter

At ArtSHINE, we know firsthand the power of creativity to change lives. And we know the power of community to lift spirits and create a sense of belonging.

The Tree of Friendship brings these two forces together — creativity and community — to deliver joy to children who need it most.

We invite everyone in our ArtSHINE community to be part of this wonderful initiative and help spread kindness throughout the festive season.

Let’s make this Christmas brighter, more joyful, and filled with friendship — together.

Vinh Van Lam
the authorVinh Van Lam
Vinh Van Lam, co-founder of ArtSHINE, is a visionary art coach and entrepreneur with a passion for fostering creativity. With a diverse background in art and business, he brings a unique perspective to empower emerging artists, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic art industry through the innovative platform of ArtSHINE.

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