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Young professionals urged to network their way to children's gifts

Young professionals in the North East are being urged to help out in a charity drive. The Junior Chamber International (JCI) is calling on young businesspeople to help them in their bid to collect 100 educational toys.

As part of the JCI’s ‘Gift of Christmas’ charity project, they are asking individuals and businesses to donate educational gifts such as books, board games and computer games to the Ward Hadaway offices in Newcastle. From there they will be distributed by the NSPCC to children from underprivileged backgrounds living in the North East.

Phil Dean, president of the JCI North East, said: “We are encouraging people to be enterprising in their way of donating the gifts, possibly by having their own events at work and encouraging other staff to join in or spreading the message to a group of associates.

“As we are a networking organisation for young professionals we understand that by organising a Christmas charity drive it is often a good way to get your face known, meet new people or talk to people in your work place that you hadn’t previously - it also gives a feel good factor and can help improve office morale.”

Chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, James Ramsbotham, was the first business leader to pledge his support to the scheme by donating a ‘Thomas the Tank Letter Engine’. He said: “I’m looking forward to seeing how innovative our future leaders can be in drumming up as many gifts as possible in their own networks, and hope the flame of social entrepreneurship shines bright this festive season.”

Phil Dean said: “Our aim is to get 100 gifts for children not as fortunate as others; the NSPCC works incredibly hard to ensure young people have a normal and happy Christmas.”

Anyone that would like to donate gifts to the JCI Gift of Christmas project can leave them with reception at the Ward Hadaway Offices in Newcastle at Sandgate House, 102 Quayside, Newcastle or at the NECC offices in Aykley Heads Business Centre, County Durham, or contact Phil Dean on 0191 204 4000.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .