Toll Global Logistics of Laverton took part in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea last Thursday in honour of a much-loved workmate who lost his battle with cancer.
The company joined the Cancer Council fundraiser last year after the death of an employee from the paper and plastics division, father-of-three Richard Kirim.
On Thursday, workers donned pink safety vests and pink boots for the morning tea, raising $3701. That figure is set to double when the company’s chemical team holds its morning tea this Thursday.
Employee John Littler said everyone on site was touched personally by Mr Kirim’s death.
“He worked with us for 11-and-a-half years,” Mr Littler said. “He was diagnosed with cancer in the jaw. Then it spread through to his chest and he consequently died after 16 months of treatment.”
Fellow workmate Edward Novak said the morning tea allowed everyone to come together for a cause close to their hearts.
“Richard was just a well-loved person, a very approachable, good character,” he said. “He and I had a few interests in regards to cars and things like that … He was a top bloke.”
Toll chief executive Chris Pearce praised workers for a “top effort”.
“Toll has a community ethos, but this effort pleasingly goes over and above that and demonstrates that the team at Laverton have a wonderful and caring culture,” he said.
“We’re very proud of their initiative and look forward to this and other events raising much-needed funds.”
