BELOVED shop Argosy Toys will give away hundreds of free gifts this Christmas after teaming up with a Shoebury boxer.
Hamzah Butt, 27, has joined forces with the iconic toy shop, that has stood in Westcliff for nearly 80 years, in a bid to give back to the community and help children in need.
The boxer will run 100km between now and Christmas and will use the funds raised to give presents to children across Southend and youngsters at Southend Hospital’s Neptune ward over the festive season.
Argosy Toys will be giving Hamzah the toys at cost price, so no profit is made from the sales.
Hamzah said: “It is such a nice feeling to be able to do this. I love doing things where I can give back.
“As a boxer, I rely on a lot of sponsors, and a lot of people help me all the time, so it is always nice to do something for someone else and almost pay that back into the community.
“It brings people together and unites the community.
It puts smiles on the faces of the children going through so much. It is hard to see what they are going through but anything to help brighten their Christmas is special.
“Paul at Argosy Toy is great.
He knows what the children love, and he is so charitable. It will be special.”
To help raise the funds, Hamzah will be running 100km between now and Christmas, with ten 10km, runs.
This is the second time Hamzah has done an initiative like this after raising £1,500 back in 2022.
This year, Hamzah will also be bringing decorated sports cars, such as Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s, to deliver the presents.
Paul Wohl, 52, the co-owner of the store of Argosy Toys, added: “We will be selling him the toys at cost price, so we don’t make a profit, and they will be delivered to the Neptune Ward.
“We love the Neptune Ward at Southend Hospital as a charity. We have worked with them for at least 10 years.
“It is a nice way of giving as they need lots of little gifts, not only for Christmas, but for when children have tests and blood tests, to give them a toy.
“It means so much to them and all the children.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hamzah-butt-2
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