National charity Samaritan’s Purse has extended its thanks to the local Regus centre at Durham Way in Newton Aycliffe, for its efforts towards collecting thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes which have since been distributed to needy and vulnerable children across the world.
The shoeboxes, put together by members of the public, local businesses, schools and churches, contained everything from sweets and toys to toothbrushes, colouring books and stickers. They were distributed in time for Christmas to underprivileged children in orphanages, hospitals and refugee camps in some of the world’s poorest countries.
This is the third year that Regus, the flexible workplace provider, has been involved in the shoebox appeal with over 300 UK centres collecting over 15,000 shoeboxes between them.
Simon Barrington, Executive Director of Samaritan’s Purse, the charity which organises the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal, said: “The Regus network of local workplace centres was ideally positioned to support the appeal and we would like to thank the company for its continued support. We would also like to extend our thanks to all the members of the public who wrapped, packed and brought in their shoeboxes. Because of them, many thousands of children who otherwise wouldn’t have received any presents this Christmas knew they weren’t forgotten.”
Richard Morris, CEO of Regus in the UK, said: “We’re always delighted to support the appeal and the response this year has been overwhelming. Our centre teams thoroughly enjoyed their participation and were very happy to get involved and do their bit to help this very worthwhile cause.”
Regus operates a global network of flexible, modern work spaces including business lounges, meeting rooms, day offices and co-working space. See www.regus.co.uk or www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk