As Christmas approaches, Penrith local businesses are doing what they can to support those in need.
Diamond Building and Construction is running their first toy drive this year to give back to their community.
“We wanted to try and give back to the less fortunate kids,” Diamond Building and Construction’s Director Cameron Nielsen said.
“There’s a lot of kids out there that don’t get many presents. I’ve got five kids myself and my business partner has two, there are a lot of kids through our team and it’s just something that means a lot to us. We want to give back as much as we can.”
Nielsen explained the idea for the toy drive came to him after a hospital visit with one of his children.
“My daughter was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago after she broke her leg. We were in the children’s hospital, and I saw so many kids there and it made me feel like I wanted to do something nice for these kids,” Nielsen said.
“If we can give back to anyone that’s less fortunate or in need of something, then we will try and do our best to help.”
Diamond Building and Construction are also accepting financial donations.
“People can DM us, they can call us, or they can drop in to donate some gifts. We are here from 7am to 5pm. Come drop off some presents!” Nielsen said.
“We will also accept cash donations where I will then go to buy the presents. I’ve already had a few of my suppliers reach out and donate.”
Visit the Diamond Building and Construction office at 1/17 Smith Street, Emu Plains before Friday, December 13 to drop off any donations.
Meanwhile, Penrith Oztag are collecting gift donations on any of their competition nights to donate to Westmead Children’s Hospital.
Bring any new toys in their original packaging at the Kingsway Playing Fields, St Marys, until Friday, December 13.
Functional Training Playground are running a toy drive until Wednesday, December 18 where all gifts donated will be given to children in foster care. They are asking for donations to be new and unwrapped toys dropped off at their studio at 15/566 High Street, Penrith (access via Union Lane).
ALA Law are running a toy drive until 2pm on Friday, December 13. Drop off any donations of new and unwrapped toys to their office at Level 2, 9 Tindale Street.
Get in the giving spirit and drop off some toys for someone less fortunate today!
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.