15 December 2010
Bedford locals have truly shown their charitable side this Christmas by donating a remarkable 4000 toys for the life-limited children cared for by Keech Hospice Care.
The toy drive was lead by the team at the The Embankment hotel, along with Wells & Young and the Elms BMW dealership, Bedford. The appeal was launched with a Toy Whist Drive held at the award-winning hotel and restaurant on 12th November when guests were asked to donate a new toy worth £20 or more in return for a fantastic night of entertainment, cocktails and Christmas platters. The event got the appeal off to a flying start and since then the pile of toys has grown beyond everyone’s expectations!
Andrew Coath, owner of The Embankment, said: “We’re really excited about delivering all of these toys to Keech Hospice Care. Friends, friends of friends, relatives and neighbours in the Bedford area are all touched by the fantastic work that Keech does in our community, and it relies totally on charitable donations, so what better time to show our appreciation than at Christmas?”
The bumper delivery of toys was made to Keech on Wednesday and families who use the children’s hospice service came along to choose a present for their child. They were able to either leave the present under the tree at Keech for their child or take it home to put beneath their own tree.
Community Fundraiser, Mark Relf commented: “We always try to ensure all our children get a Christmas present from us here at Keech but we have to raise such a huge amount of money just to keep our services going and raising the extra bit for presents can be difficult. This year it’s all been taken care of for us and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in this project - Peter Wells - Wells & Young, Giles Cardwell - Giles Cardwell Residential Lettings, Kerry Cash - 5th Avenue Hair & Beauty Spa, Michael Bailey - Michael Bailey, Ian Bullerwell - Bullerwell Independent Insurance Brokers, Ross Kilroy & Sarah Cole Edwards - Elms BMW, Paul Panayis - Maysons of Bedford, Mike Richardson - Beds on Sunday, Mike Day and Beth O'Neill - Pelican Printwear, Janita Patel – Borneos, Keni Stevens from Keni Stevens Productions, Jan Steel from Bedford Borough Council and of course to all the wonderful local people who kindly donated a toy.”
