More than R1 million raised during Toy Story Corporate Day

Tonight, thousands of east coasters will go to bed as heroes, having helped make a difference to the lives of ill, orphaned and destitute children in KZN. East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game thanks all our un-caped crusaders who have helped us raise a whopping

R1 034 380 during our Toy Story Corporate Day Challenge, 12 November 2013.

(Cameron Delport, Crystalene Nair, Makhosi Khoza and Bianca Warren)

The money will be used to provide meals to primarily child-headed households across KZN. This as Toy Story continues to roll out toy drop-offs at hospitals, children’s homes and orphanages. For many little ones, it’s the first time their little fingers would’ve unwrapped a new toy; the first time they’ve experienced a shiver of excitement when presented with a gift and the first time they have the joy of holding something that is completely theirs.

Damon Beard extended his show for 15 minutes after 6pm to make sure the campaign topped the R1 million mark!

Celebrities from all over South Africa joined East Coast Radio presenters at Suncoast Casino, Hotel and Entertainment to make this possible. The Parlotones, Amazulu players, Gangs of Ballet, celebrity chef Deena Naidoo, The Arrows, Matthew Mole, Patricia Lewis, KZN singer and actor Rory Booth, Dolphins player Cameron Delport, former rugby star Stefan Terblanche, KZN fashion designer Bianca Warren, former rugby star Cedrick Mkhize, KZN Idols hero Crystalene Nair, SA fitness expert Lisa Raleigh, singer and actor Mario Ogle and many others all took time out from their hectic schedules to help answer the Toy Story pledge line and urge corporates and businesses to donate.  Calls came in thick and fast as east coasters opened their wallets and challenged their friends and competitors.

Breakfast show host Darren Maule threw down a titillating challenge of his own: if KZN businesses, corporates and individuals managed to donate over R300,000 by the end of his show at 9am, he will run through Suncoast Casino, Hotel and Entertainment in a speedo. Darren, being a good sport, made good on his promise. Those who witnessed him in his itsy bitsy trunks will sadly never be the same….

East Coast Radio’s Marketing Manager, Renee Burton, says, “Toy Story is about mobilising KZN to own part of the solution to some of the ills that face our children. It might just be one toy but the impact is long-lasting. The support from east coasters has been overwhelming.”

Thank you KZN. You have always given generously to help us make a difference to the children of our province and you didn’t disappoint us this year! We sent out an appeal, and you didn’t just open your hearts to our cause but you opened your wallets too and got your friends, colleagues and competitors to do the same. You have helped us bring light, love and hope to thousands of little ones on the east coast.

If you didn’t get involved in the Corporate Day Challenge, there’s still time to be a hero. Donations can be made until 6 December, via the following means:

How to donate:

1.      Buy a new toy and pop it into a collection box at any Game store in KZN.

2.      Make a cash donation for food parcels online at www.ecr.co.za

3.      Make an electronic transfer via the following:

East Coast Radio Charitable Association

Bank: First National Bank Commercial

Branch: Gateway

Branch number: 25 01 08

Account number: 622 224 283 37

Reference: Your name

For more information visit www.ecr.co.za

(Source - East Coast Radio)