December 11, 2013
The Lindenow community has banded together to donate over five trolleys of gifts to the Kmart Bairnsdale 2013 Wishing Tree Appeal.
The toys were donated as part of the first-ever Lindenow Football and Netball Club Christmas Toy Drive and Family BBQ which was held on Sunday.
The day attracted over 50 people from the club and community, with financial donations also received from local businesses.
Club representatives Matt Baylis and Sue Whitbourne along with Kmart store admin manager Yvette Westfield have handed the gifts over to Steven Haworth from the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army will distribute the gifts throughout the local community to ensure a happier Christmas for local children and families who are doing it tough.
Club President Andrew Whitbourne said the inaugural toy drive had been a terrific success and the club was looking forward to continuing the event in the future.
“We had a great turnout of people affiliated with the club as well as general community members who had heard about the day or seen it advertised,” Whitbourne said.
“It definitely provides a strong platform to build upon for future events and as a club we are committed to further developing the toy drive for the benefit of East Gippsland families who are struggling financially.
“I’d like to thank everybody who supported and helped organise the event, particularly senior coach Paul Carroll and Nathan Storer who did the design work.
“I’d also encourage anyone who hasn’t yet donated to the appeal, to pop into Kmart Bairnsdale and put a gift under the Wishing Tree.”
Six million gifts have been donated Australia-wide since the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal was established 26 years ago with nearly 450,000 gifts distributed by the Salvation Army in 2012.
The target for 2013 is 500,000 gifts and anyone can place a present under the Wishing Tree at any Kmart store up until Christmas Eve.
Last Modified on 20/05/2015 13:20