Toying with the gift of giving

ALTHOUGH 3BA are doing its Christmas Appeal a little differently this year, one part of the charitable initiative is continuing as usual.

Ballarat Toyworld’s annual Christmas Tree is, once again, standing tall collecting donated toys and gifts for the radio station’s annual drive.

Appeal ambassador Peter Caligari said while the 3BA office is unable to accept physical donations, it’s exciting to see Toyworld’s efforts going ahead.

“Toyworld, who have supported the appeal for a number of years, are inviting people to come in store, purchase a toy and put it under the appeal tree,” he said.

“Once we collect the toys from the store, we share all the gifts equally between Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

“Over the period of years that Toyworld have been supporting us, they would have had thousands of toys donated.”

Although Christmas time is still over a month away, Toyworld Ballarat owner Sue Fothergill said they’ve already had a great start to the donations.

“We’ve had quite a good start already, so I’m thinking, even though it’s been a tough year for everyone, maybe that’s why I’m thinking it might be better than usual,” she said.

“Many people come in specifically just to buy gifts for the appeal, we’ve already had one man come in and buy three trikes all in one go just to put under the tree.

“They don’t have to buy a gift in here, we welcome anything, if they have something they purchased elsewhere that’s fine because it’s not about buying from us, it’s about putting gifts under the tree.”

Ms Fothergill said it’s great to see not just individuals and families donating to the cause, but larger businesses getting involved and purchasing gifts in bulk.

“Selkirk’s buy a large quantity of gifts for the appeal and Maxitran’s buy all their gifts for their staff and last year they donated some of their left-over gifts and money for the appeal,” she said.

“We would certainly welcome any businesses out there that wanted a way of giving back to the community, they could come in here and buy their own or we can help them pick it out.”

Considering the huge increase in demand this year for help and support, Mr Caligari said the appeal is a great way to directly make a difference the most vulnerable in our community.

“The toy that you buy may be the only toy which a less fortunate child receives this Christmas,” he said.

“It’s a very difficult year for all families, we don’t want the children to be disappointed, that should never happen.

“Think of the less fortunate children this year and contribute to the 3BA Christmas Appeal tree here in Ballarat.”

To contribute directly to the appeal, donate online at 3ba.com.au or using the direct deposit details: National Australia Bank, account name – Radio Ballarat Pty Ltd Christmas Appeal Trust, BSB 083 526, account number – 63546 3252.