We've found our Christmas Toy Appeal 'Top Ten' (From Dorset Echo)

We've found our Christmas Toy Appeal 'Top Ten'

11:00am Wednesday 25th November 2009

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THE search for 10 companies to back the Dorset Echo’s Christmas Toy Appeal has been successfully completed in just over two weeks.

Since we printed the article launching this year’s appeal and hunt for ‘Ten for Ten’ scheme, we have received calls from 10 local businesses that have each generously donated £100 towards the cause.

It is the 10th anniversary of the appeal this year and the idea of the scheme was to find 10 companies to celebrate.

The toy appeal bins can still be found in stores across Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport and Portland and the money raised from the Ten for Ten scheme will help purchase gifts for older children.

Marcus Foice from MJ Foice Building Services and Les Board from Weymouth and Portland Lions were the final two to make the grand total.

The pair have joined DJ Property, Stylish Stitches, Ladies Alive, RiskSTOP Group, Portland Stone, Fish N Fritz, Rob Collings Sales and Coyne Butterworth Hardwicke.

Mr Foice said that seeing his own children look forward to Christmas encouraged him to support the cause.

He said: “My kids are busy looking through catalogues for what they are going to ask for, writing Christmas lists and letters to Santa and I just felt that every child deserves to enjoy this time of year.

“It is difficult at the moment and many people may feel they cannot afford to donate £100, but if they can it really is going towards a great cause.

“My wife spotted the appeal in the Echo and as I do like to give within the local community this seemed like a good idea.”

Committee member from Weymouth and Portland Lions Mr Board said he wanted to support the Ten for Ten scheme because he did not want the older children to miss out when the younger ones could appreciate the toys from the bins.

He said: “Christmas is an important time for children of all ages and we recognise that the older children can sometimes miss out.

“All children deserve a decent Christmas, especially those in poor circumstances.”

Dorset Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “We are all absolutely delighted that 10 companies have already come forward to donate £100.

“We are still receiving calls from companies wanting to support the cause and no cash donation would ever be turned away.

“The more money we can raise, the more children will benefit, so if you would like to make a donation please do not hesitate to call.”

If you own a business and would like to help our Christmas Toy Appeal, please contact Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815.

Where to find toy bins

Bridport: Morrisons, Toymaster, Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Curtis Wright, Baby Go Round.

Dorchester: Adams Newsagents, Tesco, Toymaster WH Smith, Wellworths, Dorset Echo office, Dorset County Council offices.

Weymouth: Dorset Echo, Asda Morrisons, Tesco, Howleys, WH Smith, The Early Learning Centre, Wilkinsons, Value House, Debenhams, Rieker.

Portland: Co-op (Easton)

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