AN Inverclyde charity champion at one of the area's key employers has launched a Christmas toy appeal for needy youngsters.

Shug Ferguson, who works at the EE contact centre in Greenock, runs the Limitless Inverclyde page on Facebook using raffles, bonus ball competitions and big-ticket giveaways, to generate cash for good causes.

Shug, who works as a regional campaigns performance leader at the Cartsburn, has drummed up support from the whole contact centre to make this year's Christmas toy collection bigger and better than ever before.

In 2020, the appeal raised a fantastic £5,000 - and this year, the total has already topped £4,000.

Money raised will be used to buy toys which will be shared between Inverclyde Foodbank and Home-Start Renfrewshire & Inverclyde.

Shug says he's very proud that Limitless Inverclyde and EE are working together for communities across Inverclyde.

He said: "It's not about what kinds of gifts we have.

"It's about children having something to wake up to on Christmas morning to show them that someone cares.

"EE is a big company and it's fantastic to be able to partner with them properly on this.

"We want to make sure the appeal does well.

"The contributions have been phenomenal so far."

EE concierge Liesa Low says employees have been organising coffee mornings, raffles, and bonus ball competitions for the appeal.

Some teams have even given up their secret Santa gift exchange to donate instead.

Staff are being allocated volunteer days so that they can help with buying and wrapping presents.

Liesa said: "The toy appeal is creating a real sense of community in the building and everyone is working towards to same goal.

"It's amazing to see that even when we're still in the middle of the pandemic, people are taking the time to support us.

"The gifts will make a huge difference to the children this Christmas."

Local businesses including Hungry Horse, Cash Generators and Logo'd have already pledged to get involved and Shug says he's overwhelmed by the amount of support shown as he goes all out to smash last year's £5,000 total.

He added: "I want to thank everyone for their contributions on Limitless Inverclyde through the whole year, EE staff for all their contributions and local businesses who are getting involved.

"Times are hard and it's amazing to see that we have that support from the community."

Toys can be dropped off at the EE building in Greenock and you can make a cash donation at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/limitless-inverclyde