Braced for success: Butchers donate to Echo Toy Appeal

Brace of Butchers in Poundbury has dug deep into its pockets and donated a generous £100 to help us make sure disadvantaged children all get a visit from Santa this Christmas.

Business partner, Mark Vaughan said: “I think the Toy Appeal is just a brilliant idea. Christmas is a time for giving and every child should have a toy at Christmas so why not give.”

Now in its 18th year, the appeal aims to provide a toy for every child who may otherwise go without and make sure children across Dorset have a toy to open on Christmas morning.

As well as business donations, members of the public have generously been putting toys in bins around the area to get them off to a new home.

Brainchild of local businessman Tom Amery, Brace of Butchers, offers locally-sourced meat and local produce and now boasts a range of in-house products, thoughtfully developed by Mark.

Since opening in October 2014, the business has picked up several awards including National New Butcher of the Year in the Butchers Shop of the Year Awards 2015, winner in the Wessex FM Local Business Awards 2015, a finalist spot in the Taste of Dorset 2015 awards and a silver in the National Sausage Awards.

Their Toy Appeal donation will be used to buy gifts and vouchers for disadvantaged children.

Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Without the support of our readers and local businesses we would not be able to help to put smiles on all those families faces at Christmas, so thank you.”

Last year, the Dorset Echo raised more than £4,493 and collected hundreds of toys through the appeal and we are hoping to top that figure this year - ensuring even more children have a toy to open on Christmas Day. 

Collection Points are now accepting toy donations and will be based across Dorset. 

For more information or for any businesses wishing to make a £100 donation contact Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830 815 or email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk.