Bendigo Marketplace is hosting a Toy Drive this Christmas, a joint community initiative with Foodshare Bendigo, delivering extra magic this festive season, to children throughout the region.
Held throughout December, already more than 450 toys have been generously dropped off to the donation bin in-centre, located outside Big W.
Bendigo Foodshare Community Relations Manager Emma Bourke thanked the Bendigo community for helping to spread some extra joy this Christmas season to people in need.
“We are proud to be the charity partner of our Major Sponsor Bendigo Marketplace’s Toy Drive, ensuring that these special gifts go to families who are doing it tough,” she said.
“Our volunteers have been collecting the donated toys this month, before sorting and sharing them with our 95 partners across central Victoria. More than 290 toys have been sent out to families already ahead of Christmas, with the remainder to be given to families in need when organisations reopen in the New Year.
“We know Christmas is an expensive time, when many are choosing whether they put food on the table or purchase a gift for a loved one, so having these gifts will be a relief for many.”
Donations can continue to be made until Christmas eve.
L-R: Bendigo Foodshare volunteer Gary Fraser, Bendigo Marketplace Marketing Manager Leah Rinaldi, Bendigo Foodshare Community Relations Manager Emma Bourke and Bendigo Foodshare volunteer Peter Nelson.