Archived News 2006

Tonnex International Helps Drive Salvation Army Christmas Appeal

PORT MELBOURNE, VIC – December 4, 2006 – Since the 20th of November printer & computer consumables wholesaler Tonnex International have been donating a portion of customers expenditure towards their goal donation of $20,000 to help the Salvation Army with their growing demand for their services at this time of year. The donation was initially forecast to be on the 20th December but in the spirit of Christmas, Tonnex International has made an early donation this morning. Tonnex International Director George Solomon stated that “we are thrilled with our customers support of this donation and if we can help by providing this donation now to give the Salvation Army the best chance to provide much needed services over Christmas, then we are honoured to do so.” During December alone, The Salvation Army will assist more than 300,000 Australians and expect to give more than 250,000 toys, serve 8,000 Christmas dinners, give 150,000 food parcels and vouchers and provide refuge for hundreds of abused Australians.

Major Neil Venables, Assistant Territorial Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army, said “The Salvation Army is really very pleased to enter into this relationship with Tonnex International. To be engaging with corporate citizens who clearly have a concern for the wider community is a great privilege." In the last 12 months The Salvation Army has experienced, as always, a strong growing demand for its services and they expect this to further increase, especially during and after the Christmas period. "Our welfare workers and Salvation Army officers are expecting a very busy time in the run-up to Christmas.

Despite a buoyant economy and strong employment, there is always hidden need. It is an honour to work
with those who need assistance, and we hope that in some way Tonnex itself shares in that sense of
honour through partnering with us” said Major Venables. This honour was definitely shared by Tonnex
International staff and customers. Mr. Solomon stated that “our customers are behind this donation 100%
and we hope that they feel as much a part of this donation as we do. We are confident that their support will continue, which is why we were more than happy to make the donation today”.

This level of customer interest was reinforced as Marketing Executive James Rendell highlighted that, “The day of announcing our donation, two weeks ago, we saw over 300 visits to our donation announcement on our website and we have seen almost 4,000 page views since that date. It is obvious that our customers support this donation and we urge more businesses to get behind the Salvation Army as they are a truly amazing charity”. Tonnex International had placed a link to the Salvation Army donations centre on their website for those who wanted to place their own direct donation to the appeal. As Tonnex International handed over the cheque to the Salvation Army this morning it was obvious that, such a donation was really going to make a difference to so many lives. Major Venables commented that “we can assure you, and all of your employees and clients, that the impact which giving hampers and gifts and other forms of assistance to needy families is huge. People need to believe that there is still a real community around them, people who care. Out thanks again, on behalf of those we serve, for your generosity."

For information to how you can help towards this cause, Freecall 1800 TONNEX (1800 866 639) or visit the website www.tonnex.com.au / www.salvationarmy.org.au to see how you too can help everyone have a very Merry Christmas.