There was an atmosphere of feverish excitement at Toys R Us in Brent Cross on Sunday 29 November, when 40 children from across Norwood’s services took part in the Charity’s annual Toy Sweep. In one action-packed hour on Sunday morning, the £4,000 raised by the Toy Sweep Committee, was spent on games, CDs, DVDs, art materials, books and toys for Norwood’s Children’s Services.
The children, together with their parents and Norwood’s support staff shopped for a Chanukah gift list compiled by Norwood’s three Children and Family Centres in Hendon, Hackney and Redbridge; Unity, its recreational play and youth service; and Buckets and Spades Lodge, its short break home for children with learning disabilities.
As well as helping the staff push the trolleys and find the gifts for the children’s centres, children were given a £12 voucher to spend, met Jeffrey the Giraffe and were entertained by ‘Franko the balloon maker extraordinaire’.
Mr Michael Marlow whose daughter uses Binoh special educational support service, said, “It was a wonderful event which was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to the committee for all their efforts.”
Debra Kleinman, Chair of the Toy Sweep Committee said, “We were delighted that so many of the children who use Norwood services got up so early to be part of our 2009 Toy Sweep. We hope that the toys and equipment that the Committee has worked so hard to raise money for, will be enjoyed by many children and their families".
The Committee held fundraising events throughout the year including a Charity Film Screening of the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, a Bridge & Kalooki Evening at Radlett Synagogue and a Ladies Shopping Day at Westfield. The Toy Sweep Committee has organised the Toy Sweep for the past eleven years for Norwood, the UK’s leading charity helping to change the lives of people with learning disabilities and children and families with social needs.
