HUNDREDS of new toys have been donated by fitness fans in South Gloucestershire as part of a Christmas campaign. 

The scheme - which was launched at the end of November - has already delivered more than 200 of the gifts to disadvantaged children through local charities.

The festive campaign has been organised by staff from Active Centres, which are run by Circadian Trust in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council. 

All the toys received are being distributed through two local organisations supporting young people across the region including Bristol Children’s Charity and Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity.

As part of the scheme, a free day pass is handed out for every toy donated and the donor also gets into a prize draw for a VIP six-month Active Centres membership. 

This includes the trust’s five active centres including Thornbury, Yate, Kingswood, Bradley Stoke and Longwell Green.

Mark Crutchley, Circadian Trust CEO, said: “Helping people keep healthy is at the centre of everything we do – and that extends beyond working out or going for a swim. 
 
“Central to keeping well is a strong and supportive community and the toy exchange is our way of helping families who may be feeling the pinch this Christmas and at the same time rewarding this generosity with free access to our services.
 
“It has been truly heart-warming to see how many people have already donated and we’re looking forward to delivering lots more toys to our partner charities on the run up to the day itself.”
 
First up on the delivery list was Bristol Children’s Charity, which is based in Hanham, near the Longwell Green centre.
 
Julie Houselander, trustee for Bristol Children’s Charity, said: “It is a wonderful experience every year to see how many people want to lift the spirits of children and families that are experiencing hardship.
 
“It is a tough time of year for many, so we are incredibly grateful to all the generosity of everyone who donated and to Circadian Trust and its fabulous employees for their wholehearted kindness. 
 
“To be given a gift of health, as it were, in return for donating is perfect.

"It’s this kind of community focus that makes positive things happen not just for today but for a better future overall.”
 
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