Vertu Hyundai Bristol Launches Toy Drive To Support Children's Hospital Charity
Vertu Hyundai Bristol has launched a special toy drive to support The Grand Appeal, the official charity of Bristol Children's Hospital, with customers and members of the local community able to donate gifts to support young patients.
The initiative was inspired by the experience of two Vertu colleagues after their young son underwent treatment at Bristol Children’s Hospital, prompting them to work with the dealership on a campaign to help others who are facing a similar journey.
Located on St Philips Causeway, just three miles from the hospital, the dealership is inviting people to visit the site to make donations of new toys, which can be placed in the rear of a Hyundai Tucson on display in the showroom.
Once the Tucson has been filled, the donations will be delivered to the hospital through The Grand Appeal to support children – and their families – currently receiving treatment.
The Grand Appeal is the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital and has raised over £90 million to help sick children and their families from across the South West over the last 30 years.
The toy drive has been launched after Vertu colleagues Megan Pascoe and Sean Kerley spent time at the hospital with their son Azzurro, who was born with a complex heart condition that has resulted in him undergoing a number of surgeries at the hospital.
Their experience highlighted the importance of the hospital, which provides specialist treatment to children from across the South West region.
Daniel Hopkins, General Manager at Vertu Hyundai Bristol, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting The Grand Appeal to help make a difference to children from Bristol and beyond.
“The experience of Megan, Sean and Azzurro highlighted how important the hospital is to communities across the South West, and this toy drive is a fantastic way for us to help other people who find themselves in a similar position.
“We hope that customers, and the local community, will get behind us so that we can fill the Tucson with gifts for such a worthy cause.”
Megan Pascoe said: “Our experience at the hospital whilst Azzurro has been undergoing treatment is what inspired us to organise this toy drive alongside the team at Vertu Hyundai Bristol.
“Any gifts people can provide will make a real difference to children undergoing treatment, particularly at difficult and challenging times, and hopefully as many people as possible will get behind the campaign.”
Sally James, Senior Corporate Fundraiser for The Grand Appeal, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Megan, Sean and everyone at Vertu for their generosity and support. Having experienced first-hand the uncertainties that a hospital stay can bring for children and their families, their support will make such a difference to patients now and in the future.
“The toys will provide comfort, distraction and smiles to young patients, while also supporting our music, play and art programmes, which help children manage the stresses and anxieties they may face.”