A FINANCIAL advisors is the latest business to make a generous donation to our festive Toy Appeal.

Money Matters, an independent financial advisors based on Park Street, Weymouth, has kindly donated £100 to the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal, which is now in its 21st year.

Every penny that is raised through the Toy Appeal will be spent on buying presents for children whose families cannot afford to buy them gifts this year.

Brian Sheppard, director of Money Matters, is thrilled to show his support for the Toy Appeal which he feels is even more important this year.

He said: "2020 has been a challenging year for us all, which is why I am delighted to support the Christmas Toy Appeal again this year.

"I feel that it is more important than ever during the hard times that Covid-19 has brought, to support those that are in desperate need and to put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas day when they open a present that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

"As a father and grandfather, The Dorset Echo Toy Appeal is a cause that is close to my heart and I would urge other local businesses to try and support it where possible."

The Toy Appeal raised a whopping £4,933.05 last year which smashed the previous year's total of £3,428.99. We hope that the donations made by readers and businesses will help us raise even more this year and, thanks to Money Matters, were are edging closer.

Debbie Hellaby, brand, marketing and compliance manager at the Dorset Echo, said: "We appreciate that this time of the year is a challenge for every family and this year following the pandemic and with the arrival of the new normal it is even more so.

"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 in advance of your help thank you."

If you are a business wishing to make a £100 donation, or an individual wishing to donate, please call Maureen on 01305 830811 or email maureen.jolliffe@dorsetecho.co.uk