BOQ Brings the Magic of Christmas to Disadvantaged Australian Kids

Monday, 05/11/2012

BOQ believes every child should share in the joy of Christmas and throughout November will be collecting gifts for The Smith Family’s Toy and Book Appeal. 

BOQ has supported this Appeal for the past three years and has been able to collect thousands of presents for disadvantaged children by calling on the support of its broad network of more than 270 branches. 

BOQ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Grimshaw said BOQ was pleased to be once again supporting such a worthwhile cause. 

“Many Australian families can’t afford to buy Christmas presents, so the unfortunate reality is that a number of children will wake up on Christmas Day without a present to unwrap,” Stuart said. 

“By calling on our national network of branches in communities throughout Australia, we want to help The Smith Family reach its national target this year of delivering more than 43,500 new toys and 29,000 new books. 

“So I encourage everyone to make a difference this Christmas by taking an unwrapped new toy or book to your local BOQ branch during November,” he said. 

For this year’s Appeal The Smith Family is particularly keen to receive educational games, art sets, sporting equipment and books for children in the 6 – 12 year old age group. 

All gifts donated to BOQ will be delivered to The Smith Family distribution centres free of charge by Toll Priority. 

The Smith Family Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa O’Brian said the corporate support from BOQ helps to ensure children in need don’t miss out at Christmas. 

“For one in ten Australian children living in financial disadvantage, the spirit of Christmas is dampened by the additional strain it places on their family’s budget,” Dr O’Brian said. 

“Thanks to the support of BOQ and generous Australians, we are aiming to deliver toy and book packs to thousands of disadvantaged Aussie children who currently receive our education and learning support throughout the year. 

“The gifts will be packaged into parcels and delivered by volunteers the week before Christmas. 

“I would like to thank BOQ for their involvement this year, and for their support to engage the community in our appeal,” Dr O’Brian said.