Putting a smile on the dials of sick and needy children this Christmas is one of the ways the members of Tauranga Round Table have chosen to spend some of the proceeds of previous Blues, Brews & BBQs events.
Member Phil Hunt said the group, made up of about 20 men, has donated $3000 to buy 150 presents for children at Tauranga Women's Refuge and in Tauranga Hospital's children's ward.
Mr Hunt said 130 of the presents would be put under More FM's Christmas tree to be delivered to the refuge, while the remaining 20 would be given to whoever filled the 19 beds in the children's ward on December 12.
The presents will be bought at a discounted price from Toyworld at Bay Central Shopping Centre.
Staff will select the presents, which each have a value of more than $20, and wrap them free of charge ready for delivery.
Mr Hunt said the presents would be divided into those suitable for boys and girls and labelled with age groups 3-6 and 7-12.
Tauranga Round Table gives about $30,000 to $40,000 to the Western Bay community each year, Mr Hunt said.
"We're always looking at putting money back into the community.
"These are complete strangers who are in difficult circumstances."
Mr Hunt said the group had also selected to purchase the presents through a locally owned toy store.
"They've jumped on board and been really helpful. They need a big pat on the back as well."
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