The iconic train set was auctioned off for $9000 in July, with all proceeds going to The Examiner’s 109^th Empty Stocking Appeal.

Officially launched last Friday, the Birchalls donation is currently the biggest contribution received by the appeal which hopes to raise $60,000 by December 25. 

All proceeds will be shared among local charities the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Launceston Benevolent Society, City Mission and the Salvation Army.

The Birchalls train had been a much-loved part of the historic bookstore, which closed its doors in February after 173 years of trade in Launceston. 

Launceston Birchalls managing director Graeme Tilley decided to put the train up for auction alongside the rest of the stores fittings, with the winning $9000 bid going to an anonymous written offer.  

“I didn’t expect it to go for that much,” Mr Tilley said. 

“It was a very generous offer but all for a good cause which is what matters.

“Hopefully it will go a big way towards the appeal.”

Mr Tilley said the train’s new owners wished to remain anonymous, but he believed it was going to put on public display somewhere in the Launceston community. 

The running-total for the Empty Stocking Appeal currently sits at $10,650. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There are many ways you can support the 109th Empty Stocking Appeal.

IN PERSON

Donations to can be made at Fairfax Media’s offices and at businesses displaying a Empty Stocking Appeal tin. You can also donate through tins at local businesses which carry the appeal logo.

ONLINE

To bank transfer please use the Empty Stocking account:

BSB: 035-822 

Account number: 011443538

To use BPAY use the same account:

Biller number: 49429

Reference number: 01002111170014435384

SNAIL MAIL

Write to: The Examiner, 113 Cimitiere Street, Launceston, 7250.

The Empty Stocking Appeal will run from November 24 to late December.