British Gypsum, based in Sherburn in Elmet purchase a Christmas tree every year for their reception area. Since last year, the price of the tree has increased significantly from £200 to almost £300. As a result, they arranged a meeting to discuss alternative options for the £200 which was already laid out in their annual budget.
The employees unanimously agreed that the funds should be donated to The Elmet Lions’ Christmas Toy Appeal rather than spent on a Christmas tree. They felt that because they are not a commercial business with customers regularly visiting them, there was no pressure to make the reception area festive.
British Gypsum will be purchasing toys to the value of £200 and donating them directly to the appeal.
Lynn Hudson, Secretary to the Plant Manager at British Gypsum, stated:
Everything that The Elmet Lions do, from the Santa Sleigh to the general community work is fantastic and it was a unanimous decision within the office to donate the money to their Christmas Toy Appeal rather than purchasing a Christmas tree. We will be looking to continually support The Elmet Lions’ Christmas Toy Appeal for the following years.
This is the first year that The Elmet Lions have organised the Christmas Toy Appeal and have teamed up with the Salvation Army, who will be distributing the toys in time for Christmas and the local Spar who acts as a local drop off and collection point for the appeal.
British Gypsum also will be donating funds for a second year to pay for the Christmas tree within the village.