In November, City of Armadale staff opened their hearts and purses to contribute to Santa’s Workshop’s Christmas toy appeal.
Co-ordinated by the City’s Community Development Officer – Community Partnerships, Ms Karen Kujawski, the fundraiser involved staff donating toys to ensure that under privileged children living in the City of Armadale received a present this Christmas.
Santa’s Workshop, a non-profit organisation that assists families and organisations throughout the year, advised the City’s Community Development Officer they were extremely low on donations this year.
Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones said this meant that many children would not have a gift under the Christmas tree this year.
“Throughout the year a range of charities is selected, and participating staff donate a gold coin in exchange for wearing casual dress one day a month. Already this year, staff have raised a total of $1429 which has been distributed to 13 worthwhile community based charities.
“In November our employees were asked if they would like to donate a small toy or gift towards the appeal, instead of the usual gold coin donation.
“The generosity of our staff, in the administration centre, depot and libraries has been overwhelming and the toys have just kept on coming, days after the collection date.
“Indeed, the office looks like a small toy shop – or indeed a bit like Santa’s workshop,” said Mayor Zelones.
The toys will be dispatched to Santa’s Workshop for distribution to low income families throughout the Armadale area.