HAVING supported the cause for many years, one Dorset businessman is hoping a donation can again help less fortunate children have a better Christmas.

The Watercress Company has generously back this year’s Echo Christmas Toy Appeal with a £100 donation to go towards buying gifts for children in the county who might otherwise go without on December 25.

Peter Old, chairman at the organisation, said: “As a local businessman, I have supported the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal for many years since it started more than 20 years ago.

“With 12 grandchildren of my own, I appreciate that Christmas is a special time of the year to bring families together, and I hope that my contribution will help those children in need to have a happy Christmas,”

The Watercress Company is UK’s leading watercress grower with farms in Dorset and Hampshire as well as further afield in places like Spain.

Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432 despite the pandemic, smashing the previous year’s total of £4,933.05, it’s thanks to donations like this that the previous total is well on its way to being beaten again this year - and by some margin.

One difference last year was that due to the impact of the pandemic the toy collection bins were not put out, but it was thanks to the help of Weymouth Rotary that this wasn’t the case again this year.

Debbie Hellaby Newsquest group promotions manager said: “Sourcing, collecting and organising the toys for hundreds of children is not an easy task, the toys are usually matched to the age and interest of each child individually.

“We are delighted to accept the support of the Weymouth Rotary Club to facilitate the collection and collation of toys.”

President of Weymouth Rotary Club Jerry Way said: “Weymouth Rotary Club is proud to assist with the Echo’s Toy Appeal for 2021. It’s a fabulous fundraiser benefitting kids in need in our community at Christmas.

"Well done to you all at the Echo, fantastic work."

Toy donations made at the collection points located across the whole of Dorset were collected on Monday December 6 to be distributed to youngsters and are no longer in place.

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