While it's still another 10 months until Christmas this hasn't deterred Anglo American's Australian sites from embracing the spirit of giving with the recent donation of more than 40 iPads to community groups and schools located in regional Queensland and New South Wales.
Coal Communication Manager (Australia and Canada) Jacqui Strambi said Anglo American received the complimentary iPads as part of the company's agreement with Apple who is the current supplier of company mobile phones.
"Through our Social Investment and Donations Program Anglo American has a proud tradition of supporting communities located close to our mining operations and our recent donation of iPads is just another example of the company contributing to our local communities.
"Anglo American is excited to donate these iPads to local schools and community groups in the Bowen Basin and the Hunter Valley, where they will be shared with hundreds of school students and volunteers," Jacqui said.
While iPads have only been available since April 2010 the device has established itself as a ‘must have' resource thanks to its fast and easy to use functions which are founded on its multi-touch screen and virtual keyboard.
Biloela State School Principal Matt Sahlqvist said Anglo American's donation of two additional iPads to the school was greatly received by both students and staff at the school.
"No longer is education just about teaching someone to read and write, thanks to Anglo American's generosity our students will have the added benefit of using some of the latest information technology tablets available," he said.
"The donated iPads will help boost our school's existing reading program, specifically with our Prep and Year 1 students who as teachers we are focused on developing a solid foundation for their literacy capabilities.
"Our students love using iPads and the Biloela State School community is greatly appreciative of Anglo American's support in donating an extra two devices," Matt said.
In addition to Anglo American's donation of iPads, Callide mine also recently donated five out of lease laptops to Biloela community groups, namely the; Community Resource Centre, Queensland Heritage Park, Biloela Information Centre and Wahroonga Retirement Village.
(From left) Brisbane Broncos stars Jharal Yow Yeh and co-captain Justin Hodges were on hand to celebrate Anglo American's donation of two iPads to Biloela State School Principal Matt Sahlqvist from Callide mine Human Resource Superintendent Stephanie Oppermann.
Moura State School Principal Laurel Bowkett (left) was excited to accept Anglo American's donated iPad from Dawson mine Human Resources Superintendent Leah Brosnan.
(From left) Biloela Community Resource Centre (CRC) Assistant Program Officer Donna Schluter, CRC Member Elizabeth Bond, CRC Senior Program Advisor Pam Semple, CRC Member Michael Horchner and Anglicare Support Worker Lori Simpkins.