Property Management Director Jodi Ford said the large donation was a group effort with Coronis’ team, tenants, landlords, buyers, sellers and suppliers all pitching in and donating a toy or book.
“About six weeks ago, we put the call out to all our clients and team across our 24 offices to help us collect 750 toys and books for The Smith Family,” Ms Ford said.
“I’m overwhelmed by the response we received, we had so many clients just dropping presents in underneath all the office Christmas trees which helped us smash our goal.
“Christmas is such a special time of year that every child should be able to enjoy, so as a community, it is really important that we give back and help those less fortunate.
“I’d personally like to thank everyone who donated a toy or book, I really appreciate it and a big thank you to our amazing team, I’m very proud of you all and the amount of presents we were able to collect!”
The Smith Family’s Queensland General Manager, Alan Le May said growing up in disadvantage can mean going without all year round, but it’s particularly hard for children at this time of year.
“Sadly, thousands of Australian kids won’t receive a gift this Christmas because their families can’t afford it,” Mr Le May said.
“The Smith Family was started by a group of businessmen giving gifts to orphaned children on Christmas eve. While the focus of our work has shifted to breaking the poverty cycle through education, delivering toys and books is a tradition we’ve continued to help children feel included.
“In Queensland, we have been collecting donations of new toys and books with the generous support of the public. In the lead-up to Christmas, we will deliver Toy & Book packs to more than 4,000 children in need across the state,” he said.
Mr Le May added that the charity also needs to raise $400,000 in Queensland by Christmas to help deliver essential learning support programs for children who may not even have the basics they need to attend school next year. Donations can be made via the website: thesmithfamily.com.au
