A Toy Story superhero from Afghanistan
This year, Toy Story has extended beyond our borders all the way to Afghanistan, where a dog handler who is originally from Port Shepstone has got involved in the campaign.
Every year, KZN residents open their hearts and wallets to help us bring a smile to thousands of underprivileged children in the province.
This year, East Coast Radio’s Toy Story With Game campaign has extended beyond our borders as the plight of our ill and disadvantaged little ones tugged at the heartstrings of Alan Tyrer, who works in Afghanistan.
Alan, a Port Shepstone resident, has been based in Afghanistan as a professional dog handler for the past three years.
He decided to contribute to Toy Story because he “wanted to make a few children's festive season just a bit better; to bring happiness to someone less fortunate.”
Determined to help spread some cheer among KZN’s children in government hospitals, crèches, orphanages and child-headed households, Alan is rallying other South African dog handlers working in Afghanistan to make a contribution to Toy Story.
(Above: Alan and Tina, his explosives detection dog in Afghanistan)
And their efforts will make a huge difference to children who are sick, orphaned or those who come from destitute families. During last year’s Toy Story 50 000 new toys were handed over to underprivileged children. R1.6-million was also received in cash donations, which saw more than 4 500 food parcels being distributed.
Alan says he misses his wife, daughter and the sea the most - and he’s hoping to be home in time for Christmas.
One thing is certain, his Toy Story donation will give some of our province’s children something to look forward to this holiday season.
- Anisa Ussuph