18 Dec The 2024 Rev Comps Toy Drive
We had a fantastic response last year from the local schools who were able to participate in the Rev Comps Toy Drive with us helping over 1,200 children – the positive feedback and impact across Torbay was amazing. This year Rev Comps were determined to make the 2024 Toy Drive an even bigger success and spread the reach even further to help as many families as possible.
For many, Christmas is an amazing time of year but for those struggling financially the thought of Christmas is stressful and worrying, especially for those with young children. This year we are all aware of the rising cost of living and are mindful that more families are feeling the burden of increased fuel and food bills.
Sadly over 21% of the children in Torbay live in low-income families which is above the national average but shockingly around two thirds of these children have at least one parent in work. It is the hidden poverty that is truly worrying.
Throughout November and early December, we started fundraising. Either by raffling off prizes we had purchased or those that were donated by our amazing suppliers. We also set up Rev Comps credit charity draws, and we had several very kind cash donations from winners and our players – the Rev Heads themselves. We managed to raise more than £170,000 which is astounding, and we are so grateful for everyone that took part and donated. We asked and the Rev Heads delivered!
Months of working with the local authorities and schools resulted in us assembling a list of the children in families most in need. We then packed and delivered over 2,100 gift bags to more than 40 schools across Torbay and into Newton Abbot. Being able to add an additional 700+ bags to be distributed above and beyond last year’s total is truly amazing.
Each child received a gift bag that contained a colouring or sticker book, loaded gift cards for toys and for food and all the trimmings and not forgetting a letter from the big man himself! We also provided wrapping paper and sticky tape – everything needed to create the Magic of Christmas.
This year we again partnered with The Entertainer Toy Company who have been amazing with their support every year of the drive and ASDA who too have been brilliant. Both gave us very generous discounts enabling us to provide more vouchers and ensuring the money went further.
This year’s drive was a huge success and the feedback from the community has been astonishing.