An appeal to encourage youngsters to donate their toys to raise funds for a leading charity was launched today by Beebies presenter Sidney Sloane.

A long-time supporter of Barnardo's, Sydney has lent his support to the children's charity's appeal for toys at Christmas time.

Sydney Sloane visited Chiswick's Barnado's shop on Thursday 8th December to encourage local residents to empty their play cupboards and bring unwanted toys and games into the Turnham Green Terrace shop.

Sloane said "Let's see Barnardo's centenary year out with a bang. I think the Toy & Christmas Appeal is a fantastic initiative and supports a really worthwhile cause. Most people have something in their cupboards which Barnardo's can make use of, and for parents it's a great way to clear some room at home before Christmas.

"It must be incredibly tough for a child to experience homelessness or live in the uncertainty of temporary accommodation, but at Christmas the situation can seem even worse. When a child lives in temporary accommodation, there are often no proper cooking facilities, it can be a long way from the child's school or nursery and families often share one room."

Money raised from selling the toys will fund the charity's work helping vulnerable young people, particularly homeless children and for every bag of toys received, one of the charity's corporate sponsors - financial services organisation Foresters - has pledged to donate a further £5 to the appeal.

Barnardo's Chiswick shop manager, Frances Bendon, said "We are delighted that Sidney has been able to lend his support to back the toy appeal.

"We hope that his visit will help put the appeal on the map and encourage people to pop in with their unwanted toys."

 

December 9, 2005