Christmas Toy Appeal: Extraordinary generosity as Goodyear staff donate £1k

Those are the words of Cyril Barrett, one of the generous members of staff at the troubled Goodyear factory who have raised £1,000 for the Express & Star Christmas Toy Appeal. The appeal will bring a little Christmas cheer to Caparo workers who have lost their jobs and youngsters spending Christmas in hospital this year.

Despite the firm axing jobs and ending its 90-year association with Wolverhampton, Goodyear workers are still willing to give to good causes in their local community, despite their uncertain futures.

Mr Barrett, 66, who is the chairman of Goodyear Wolverhampton branch of union Unite and has worked for the firm for more than 38 years, said: "We're raised over £600,000 for local charity causes. The charity fund is second nature. You can see the joy on people's faces when we give. They're good, decent people.

"Currently people are still getting paid at Goodyear. If you measure that against some of the people struggling on the minimum wage – those that have bill responsibilities and have to continuously juggle their lifestyles around – when you do the comparison, there's lots of lots of people out there that are worse off.

"We're all grateful to the Express & Star for their efforts and thankful to them for giving us the opportunity to get involved."

Around 190 people give to the Unite members voluntary fund. For a few pounds every months, members are able to change the lives of people in the area via a number of charitable organisations. The only rule is that it has to help the local community.

In the past they have given money to Compton Hospice and drug service SUIT, and members have again shown their generosity by getting involved in the toy appeal.

The Express & Star appeal, in partnership with Storage King, aims to find toys for families affected by the Caparo jobs crisis and children spending Christmas in hospitals across the Black Country. We are also looking to help the Acorns Children's Hospice.

Mr Barrett said: "There's an awful lot of children who will have little or nothing this Christmas.

"After the toy appeal, some children will wake up and have the excitement of getting toys. No money can buy that pleasure. And it'll be as good a relief for the families as it will be pleasure for the children.

"The appeal has created a platform that will create good will in the community. People want to be able to do good – they just need a platform.

"My mom was brought up in an orphanage and she's been a great positive influence in my life. She always said that there's worse people off than you. That's something we can all get behind."

Express & Star editor Keith Harrison said: "This is a huge boost to our Christmas toy appeal and a fantastic gesture from the workers at Goodyear, particularly when you consider the troubled situation they face themselves.

"We are very grateful to them for this large donation which will help bring a smile to many children's faces this Christmas."

Further details of drop-off points and a full list of toys can be found at here or by calling 01902 319483.