Local family benefits from staff generosity - 3 February 2005

"It was about mid October when I wandered down the long corridor to the big boss’s office, that’s right, the managing director, Chris Bazley. Together we sat down and discussed just how, where and most importantly who the management and staff here at Pacific Seeds would sponsor as the company's charity for Christmas 2004. As coincidence would have it the local paper, The Toowoomba Chronicle was running a series of advertisements for 'Adopt a Family at Christmas'. This was a combined charity service involving 'St Vincent de Paul', 'The Salvation Army' and 'Lifeline', and fully co-ordinated by a staff member based at the Chronicle. The decision was made then and there, and Pacific Seeds was allocated a specifically requested 'Lifeline' family from the local Darling Downs.

"The 'Chronicle' representative Kay Pimm was invited to the company's head office in Toowoomba to officially receive the gifts on behalf of "our family" and while there Kay took the opportunity to speak with us all. She spoke about the 'Adopt a Family' scheme, the three charities involved, the procedures and policies used by these organizations, the eligibility criteria, the case workers and some very generalized family information. It is fair to say Kay enlightened us all with her presentation and highlighted the continuing community needs of this rather large rural town.

"Pacific Seeds approached major company suppliers and I am excited to report their response was overwhelming. Harness this energy to a team of enthusiastic staff members and there is the momentum to make magic! Without a doubt their willingness to become involved, their kindness, generosity and most importantly amazing support made this a Christmas one very special family will always remember!

"As pictured you can see the gifts included four new pushbikes and helmets for the children, a barbecue and a new gas bottle for the parents and a plethora of Christmas cheer for the pantry.

"In closing it is necessary to acknowledge, with gratitude, the special people who make this happen – firstly the people who are Pacific Seeds and secondly four major suppliers to the company, a huge thank you to Bayer, Cranbrook Press, E-Computing and Syngenta."