The annual Newcastle Toy Run celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sunday 3 December. Having been involved for over a decade, Port Waratah Coal Services stepped up their support this year by becoming a major sponsor of the event to celebrate the milestone.
The Newcastle Toy Run raises funds for disadvantaged families and provides toys to kids that would otherwise go without at Christmas. The Toy Run supports the Salvation Army Hunter Christmas Appeal and continues to grow each year.
Over 10,000 riders set off from Stockton’s Ballast Park and made their way into Wickham Park for a day of Christmas festivities for all ages, including entertainment, market stalls, a motorcycle display, activities for the kids and a mountain of donated toys. During the formalities, Port Waratah presented a donation of over $19,000 towards this year’s Hunter Christmas Appeal.
The people who work at Port Waratah don’t just move coal; they are also involved in their local community. Port Waratah’s generous employees have raised thousands of dollars in conjunction with the Toy Run, with their Community Investment and Partnership Program matching the dollar value each year. In total the business has raised over $300,000 since 2003.
Many employees have also been in the action of the toy run themselves over the years, taking to the streets as riders in the colourful convoy.
Chief Executive Officer of Port Waratah, Hennie du Plooy said the community initiative is one that the entire business is proud to support.
“We are proud to get behind an iconic community event like the Toy Run, supporting the Christmas Appeal; especially when our employees dig deep to support those in need during the festive season,” Hennie said.
Port Waratah’s Community Investment and Partnership Programme aims to create shared value for the local community and have a positive impact by working in partnership to make Newcastle a smart, liveable and sustainable city.
Each year the program delivers $750,000 in funding to local projects, initiatives and events in areas such as health, diversity and environment.
IMAGE | Port Waratah presented a donation of over $19,000 towards this year’s Salvation Army Hunter Christmas Appeal.
