This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words, Ed
Following the news last week that the Isle of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal is some way away from its target (1,083 toys donated with 2,500 target), the Island’s MP Andrew Turner and his partner Carole Dennett made the decision to donate cash they would usually spend on sending Christmas cards across the Island and elsewhere to the appeal.
Deborah Rooke, joint founder and organiser of the Toy Appeal said:
“We really do appreciate this thoughtful gesture and donation from Andrew and Carole. It gives the appeal some extra help just when we need it. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from so many people; for example the Entertainer in Newport are opening up especially for us on Thursday evening so that we can go along to buy toys with this and the other donations we have received. I am still hopeful that with one last big push we will hit our target on Friday.”
Mr Turner said:
“There are so many good causes on the Island; nobody could support them all, but the idea of youngsters receiving no Christmas presents at all to open on Christmas Day is horrible. When we heard the Toy Appeal was so far behind its target, Carole and I wanted to try to give them a bit of a boost. Daniel and Deborah Rooke have worked so hard and done a great job getting the Toy Appeal off the ground, supported by the fantastic Bestival team, our local media and so many other Island organisations. We wanted to do our bit.
“I am sure that family and friends on the Island and elsewhere will understand and support our decision. We still wish them and all Islanders a very happy Christmas – it’s just that we also want to try to help children in tough circumstances have a happier Christmas as well. There are still a few days left for the Toy Appeal hit their target so we are all keeping our fingers crossed. If you haven’t got around to donating a toy yet please do think about it.”
