MEMBERS of Horley Lions Club are celebrating an unexpected windfall after a donation of £3,000.
The group, which collected money to create 100 food parcels for the town's needy and vulnerable residents at Christmas, was bowled over by the gift from the Gatwick Group.
Bob and Pauline Toon, who run the construction logistics firm, give money to local charities from the company's profits every year.
Mrs Toon told the Mirror: "We are a local company and we profit from the local area so it is nice to give something back. It gives you a good feeling too."
Members of the Lions Club were stunned at the news, which was announced when the Toon family asked for a meeting with club members.
Mr Toon and his daughter Lucy, the company's business development manager, told club president Mark Legg they had chosen the Lions to receive the firm's biggest donation this year.
Mr Legg said: "Horley Lions has always enjoyed the support of the community in all its fundraising ventures but the generosity of the Gatwick Group surpassed everyone's wildest dreams."
The money will go into the Lions' charity fund to help local causes and charities.
The Gatwick Group has supported St Catherine's Hospice for many years, and this year handed it £2,000.
But this year Miss Toon suggested the Gatwick Group help the Lions for the first time.
Mrs Toon explained: "We wanted it to go locally. It is great to give to a group like this and know the money will help the less well off."
