By Luke Voogt
Leopold woodworker Neil Galloway was “staggered” to learn that two rooms full of toys were not enough for Geelong’s disadvantaged children.
He and a friend made the discovery when they visited Bethany Community Support’s Christmas toy collection a few years ago.
“I thought they had done a great job, but they told us it wouldn’t even come close,” the 72-year-old said.
“There’s a hell of a lot of needy kids in Geelong. That was further motivation for us to try to do our best to help.”
He and about 40 of “Santa’s elves” at the Barwon Valley Woodwrights were busily producing quality wooden toys for Bethany this year.
One member, Dallas Polley, had produced 20 toys a year for at least the last decade, Neil said.
“We have a couple of members who are prolific makers of toys. They just do it year in and year out.”
The 27-year-old club’s eclectic collection of ex-builders, cabinet makers and hobbyists crafted about 60 toys for the appeal this year.
“The toys are just one element, but it’s an important one,” Neil said.
“I’ve only been in the club myself for nine or 10 years – and they were doing it before I came – so it’s definitely been going longer than that.”
The club president urged locals to join up and get involved in the Christmas tradition by phoning 0438 020 645 or emailing gneil@tpg.com.au.
