Couple’s gifts of giving
Forget toasters and steak knives – David and Joanne Gardener’s wedding present list just asked for toys. The kind-hearted couple wanted to make sure that local disadvantaged children were able to celebrate Christmas with a present.
David, proprietor of Peter Dodd Funeral Directors in Sunderland, married colleague Joanne on 2 December and they decided to support the Sun FM Toy Appeal by asking guests to buy toys and games that could be donated to the appeal. Local radio station Sun FM works with the Salvation Army to collect and deliver toys to disadvantaged children across Wearside for Christmas.
David said: “We are very fortunate that we have everything we need so we decided to help others through the Toy Appeal and we got some great gifts, including scooters and bicycles.
“We advertised that we were collecting for the appeal in our front window and it was really nice that people from other local businesses came by to drop off their toy contributions too.
“In the end, we have an amazing amount of toys and the people at Sun FM got a shock when we turned up to deliver the donations as it completely filled their office.
“They were delighted with our contribution and even interviewed the both of us live on the air.”
The newlyweds enjoyed a short break to Edinburgh after their wedding, but are planning a honeymoon in the Maldives later in the year.
Tags: charity, David Gardener, funeral director, Joanne Gardener, Peter Dodd, Sunderland, Toy Appeal