Lighting Up the Lives of Children With Cancer

Christmas Joy Drive To Light Up Lives Of New Zealand Children Living With Cancer

07/12/07 -- New Zealanders are being asked to help light up the lives of child cancer patients this holiday season with a special Christmas Joy Drive.

Organized by Starbucks Coffee Company in conjunction with The Child Cancer Foundation, toys can be dropped at any one of the companys 45 coffeehouses around the country.

Were aiming to deliver a toy to every patient in the Child Cancer Foundation network and bring a little Christmas joy into their lives, said Steve Montgomery, General Manager, Starbucks Coffee New Zealand.

Our goal is to collect 2,500 toys between now and December 24 and deliver one to each and every boy and girl supported by the Foundation. We were overwhelmed by the tremendous generosity of our customers and partners (employees) last year and hope we can do the same again on a larger scale this Christmas.

He said Starbucks would kick start the joy drive with the donation of 45 toys, one for every store in New Zealand, and will encourage its store managers, employees and vendors to participate.

Last years drive delivered toys to 1500 children in The Child Cancer Foundation network.

Were delighted to be teaming up with Starbucks again this year to collect toys for children suffering from cancer. These gifts dont have to be large or expensive, with even the smallest and simplest toys bringing tears of joy and squeals excitement from children, giving them the opportunity to escape the worries and ongoing battles that accompany their illness, said Jim Barclay, CEO of The Child Cancer Foundation. ../2

Suggestions include new, unwrapped childrens gifts such as toys, books, DVDs and games.

For the second consecutive year, New Zealand Couriers will provide complimentary toy pick-up and shipping from Starbucks locations and delivery of all gifts to Child Cancer Foundation offices throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

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