Christmas Toy Exchange Deadline
Thornbury Active Centre
Children and teenagers in need will benefit from the Christmas kindness of members and visitors to South Gloucestershire’s Active Lifestyle Centres.
The five centres run by Circadian Trust have joined forces with the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal to bring joy to children and teenagers across the county who might otherwise go without a gift this festive season.
It’s the third year the centres in Bradley Stoke, Thornbury, Yate, Kingswood and Longwell Green have organised a toy exchange - with previous collections benefiting Bristol Children’s Charity, The Samaritans, and Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity.
Everyone who donates a new toy, or something suitable for a teenager, will receive a free one-day pass for a gym session and will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a six-month free membership.
The toy exchange is underway now for new, unwrapped gifts - particularly for teenagers aged 13 to 18 - such as:
• Pyjama sets
• Toiletries and self-care items
• Sports gear or accessories
• Headphones or books
• Art and craft sets
• Jewellery or small personal gifts
Mark Crutchley, Circadian Trust’s CEO, says: “Our toy exchange has become a festive fixture over the last three years. It’s our way of helping families who may be feeling the pinch at Christmas.
“Helping people to be active and healthy is central to everything we do – and that means more than working out or going for a swim. It’s all about creating strong and supportive communities.
“It’s been heartwarming to see the brilliant response we’ve had in previous years and I’m certain this year will prove just as successful, especially as we’re proud to be working with the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal for the first time.”
Circadian Trust, which runs the Active Lifestyle Centres in partnership of South Gloucestershire Council, is itself a charitable organisation and has recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its inception.
Its not-for-profit status has enabled the Trust to reinvest more than £16m in modernising services and facilities at its centres, including a £2.5m refurbishment programme for the gyms at all five centres, and £1m on rooftop solar panels to create electricity and subsidise energy costs.
The trust offers a wide range of leisure facilities and services and is committed to making a positive difference to everyone within its local communities, providing a diverse, and inclusive environment for all.
This year’s toy exchange donations deadline is 14th December and everyone who drops off a gift will be entered into the prize draw taking place on 19th December.
To find out more about Active Lifestyle Centres’ Christmas Toy Exchange, click the link below.
