Photo (L to R): Jen Stephens, Amy Cashmore, Gen Wilcox, Elise Hastings, and Steph Thomson.
On 19 July 2025, several Therapist and Early Intervention Teacher leaders, with Gen Wilcox, Executive Leader – Capacity and Therapy Services, supported the 10 Year Anniversary of the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive by taking part in the Annual Trivia Fundraiser.
The event brought together nearly 300 people, with proceeds going to supporting this year’s annual Toy Drive.
Our team was thrilled with the collective efforts and enjoyed the trivia atmosphere. As cliche as it sounds, we all had a fantastic event and despite not taking the crown we felt like winners being able to contribute meaningfully again to a cause that is close to our hearts.
The Toy Drive is an initiative of the Sheldon family. In 2016 Todd, Penny, and Lachlan responded to a request from a local cinema to support struggling families during the festive season and donated wrapped gifts to a wishing tree. From this the idea of an annual Toy Drive was born. In 2020, Todd’s mum was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and being the fighter she was, battled on bravely until her passing on the 28 October 2021. The name of the Toy Drive was changed to the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive later that year.
Each year, the organisers of the Toy Drive work hard to collect toys and gifts for disadvantaged children in the Hunter, ensuring more children receive Christmas surprises with staff from ConnectAbility’s Early Links division enjoying supporting the event.
The energy, generosity, and community spirit were felt all night long, with the event proudly sponsored by The Mutual Bank and Hunter Legal & Conveyancing, and led by the amazing Todd Sheldon.
Watch this space as we will post more information here and on our socials coming up to the Toy Drive key dates later in the year.
Learn more about how our therapists and early intervention teachers support families at earlylinks.org.au