HORSHAM’S Angela Ballinger understands a cycle of giving is essential to creating a healthy community and economy.
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She owns and manages Toyworld Horsham and Just Juniors with her husband David.
Every year, the business helps countless groups with sponsorship and fundraising donations.
“There are so many service clubs and organisations that desperately need funds to do what they want to do to continue serving to the community,” Mrs Ballinger said.
“We receive so many requests. There are few avenues for funding sources for a lot of small groups, so it’s incumbent on them to ask for help, and that brings them to our door.
“Some of the groups don't have the expertise to apply for federal or state grants, but they are still important parts of our community.
“We are part of our community too, and we want it to be great, so we continue to give.
“We find it almost impossible to say no. Being a toy and children’s provider, we’ll always say yes to any group who’s core mission is around children.
“While we're here, we'll continue to say yes when we possibly can.”
Mrs Ballinger said it was important people understood the trickle-down effect their custom had for businesses and the wider community.
“We've been here nearly 14 years, and the request for sponsorship is growing,” she said.
“If people can continue to support us through being customers, we can cycle it back and support service groups and organisations.
“Without that cycle of economy, at some stage one section will fall down.
“Every little bit of economy that stays within the local area benefits two or three other things in the community.”