BOQ West End Manager Paul Cluff (left) with some of Santa’s Elves
In support of The Smith Family’s Toy & Book Appeal, BOQ West End has transformed their branch into Santa’s workshop and throughout November will be collecting presents to help bring Christmas to disadvantaged Australian kids.
BOQ West End Owner Manager Paul Cluff encouraged everyone to consider donating at least one gift.
“For most of us Christmas is a time of celebrating and giving gifts, but for many families it’s a tough time of the year,” Paul said.
“There are many families across Australia living in financial strain and the reality is thousands of children will wake up on Christmas day without a present to unwrap.
“I don’t want these children thinking Santa forgot them, which is why we’re giving Santa and his elves a hand this year by turning my branch into a makeshift Santa’s workshop so we can try to help every child get a present this Christmas.
“We rely on the generosity of the community so please help keep the magic of Christmas alive for disadvantaged families and visit BOQ West End at Shop 1 & 2, 88 Boundary St, West End throughout November to help the BOQ elves fill our workshop with new, unwrapped toys and books,” Paul said.
This year The Smith Family aims to deliver over 43,500 new toys and 29,000 new books to disadvantaged children Australia wide.
To help make this vision a reality, BOQ is aiming to contribute $100,000 worth of toys and books to the Appeal.
The Smith Family has indicated there is a particular need for gifts that target the 9-12 year old age group.
All gifts donated to BOQ will be collected from BOQ branches, stored by Decipha and then delivered to the Smith Family distribution centres by Toll Priority part of the Toll Group.
The Smith Family’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa O’Brien says that the ongoing Appeal partnership with BOQ had been invaluable.
“Thanks to the support of BOQ and generous Australians, we will be able to deliver toy and book packs to thousands of disadvantaged children who currently receive our education and learning support throughout the year.
“The gifts will be packaged into parcels and delivered to families by volunteers the week before Christmas.
“I would like to thank BOQ West End for their involvement this year, and for their support engaging the community in our appeal,” Dr O’Brien said.
About The Smith Family
The Smith Family is Australia’s largest children’s education charity. Their learning support and mentoring programs help vulnerable children fit in at school, keep up with their peers, and succeed in their education. For more information visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au
