The community helps Santa bring toys to children

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    Arms and hearts were overflowing as people brought in their new, unwrapped gifts to toy drives across the Maritimes. At Cineplex in Dartmouth Crossing and Scotiabank Theatre in Bayers Lake, Santa’s sleigh was quickly filled and spilling onto the floor as toys were generously donated by families, individuals and corporations alike. On Dec. 10 and 11, C100 FM was broadcasting live all day, as people shared their stories and explained why they give.

    Margret Adams came in to donate teddy bears with her daughter Ella Marie.  “I think that we’re so fortunate to have so much, that I want to pass on to my daughter the importance of giving back,” says Margret. 

    The toys that are donated appear under the Christmas trees of over 17,000 children across the Maritimes. These toys are given to children who may otherwise have little, or nothing to open on Christmas morning.

    Admiral Insurance also gave a generous contribution. They charged employees for their Christmas dinner, but used all of the money that was collected to buy toys for children in need. They purchased 252 toys that they dropped off to Cineplex during the toy drive. 

    Many businesses came in with toys that had been purchased with funds from casual days,  office parties, and in place of secret Santa. 
     
    The Dartmouth Learning Network came to give “the gift of reading” this holiday season. In partnership with First Book Canada they donated 8000 new books for children aged 5 -15. 
    cineplex toy drive_books

    The Dartmouth Learning Network gives the gift of reading.

     

     

    The Nova Scotia Nurses' Union decided to do a secret Santa gift exchange in which they purchased and wrapped gifts that they believed their co-workers would have enjoyed as children.

    “We had a great time exchanging gifts,” says Nurses’ Union employee Nancy MacDonald.  “We had lots of laughs and were glad to donate the toys to children who may not otherwise have presents at Christmastime.”

     In Sackville, Evelyn and Gary Shea, owners of Cars R Us also joined in the giving spirit by collecting toys at their car dealership. Denyse Sibley from FX 101.9 broadcasted live, local singer T.J. King sang in support of the toy drive and Santa even made an appearance. Many community members and companies dropped by with bountiful toy donations. One large donation came from Sackville Trenching Limited who filled a pickup truck full of toys. 

    This was the largest toy drive to date for Cars R Us who has been collecting toys for those in need for the past 16 years.

    The Salvation Army wants to thank all of the many partners who hosted toy drives in communities across the Maritime Provinces. It is through your generosity, and the generosity of all who donated this year that we are able to make this Christmas special across the Maritimes.