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1961

Instead of giving toy parcels at Christmas, the Social Service Bureau organised a sale of second-hand toys “based on the conviction that parents would enjoy buying for their own children if the anxiety about cost could be removed.  Accordingly charges were nominal and the toy sales planned to fall on days of Social Service payments or wages.  The follow-up study conducted by students in the agency indicated that parents appreciated the new system and it will be repeated” in 1962. (BSL Annual Report 1961-1962, p.6)

1962

The second Christmas toy sales were attended by 170 families (BSL Annual Report 1963-1964, p.5)

1963

Christmas toy sale idea “is gladly accepted by our families and will be a regular part of Christmas, completely replacing toy parcels except for country people”.  Seven sales held in 1963 were attended by 250 families compared with 170 families in 1962 (BSL Annual Report 1963-1964, p.5)

1973

The Christmas Toy Club operated from the Material Aid Department, with voluntary assistance, and approximately 700 children received toys. (BSL Annual Report 1974, p.5)

1991

The annual Christmas Toy Appeal raised $60,000 in cash or voucher donations and 900 toys, supplemented by a $28,000 grant from the R E Ross Trust. (BSL Annual Report 1991, p.8)

1992

The Brotherhood joined with the Mission to Streets and Lanes to conduct a joint appeal for Christmas toys, receiving wide community support and allowing 4,000 toys to be given away to children of low income families.

1994

The annual Christmas Toy appeal was supported by Kmart, Jigsaw Toys and many staff social clubs

1995

Thousands of toys gathered from the Christmas Wishing Tree appeal at 5 Kmart stores and from staff social clubs at a number of major corporations were distributed to families at material aid centres at Fitzroy, Frankston, Geelong, Lalor and Craigieburn 

1998

Christmas Toy Program (again) operated in Fitzroy & Frankston.  Primary focus of Fitzroy’s program was on assisting families in the City of Yarra (formerly broad metropolitan service) though in the last four days of the program families from out of the area were serviced. The Frankston service assisted those in the Westernport Region. Education packs & gardening kits were also distributed in Frankston.  Support for the program came from Kmart, Toys R Us, the Myer Foundation, Australia Post, Ingham Chickens, the Frankston Emergency Relief Providers and groups, businesses and individuals.  Lease Plan supplied a vehicle.

2006

BSL invited to take part in & be exclusive beneficiary of the ABC Radio 774 Christmas Giving Tree promotion 

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