November 14, 2011

Toronto—The collaborative efforts of the Santa Claus Parade, Canadian Toy Association and the R.C.M.P. have resulted in the accumulation of $80,000 worth of new toys, to be distributed to the children of Canada’s far north communities.

“We came together with one purpose—to address the needs of children in some of Canada’s most remote and often poorest areas,” stated Peter Beresford, president, Santa Claus Parade. “We wanted to show them that people care, that they are not forgotten…and we wanted to bring them some happiness over the holiday season.”

The toys collected to date have been donated by member companies of the Canadian Toy Association throughout the year.  Five skids of toys were collected at the end of the industry’s Canadian Toy Fair in January.  Other events during the year, including the recent Hot Toys for the Holidays media preview, added to the total.  Then seven companies—Crayola, Hasbro, K’Nex, Mattel, MGA, Schleich and Spin Master—came forward with donations totaling over $40,000.  The Toronto Zoo has also pledged their employee/volunteer toy drive to the “Toys of the North”, as they did last year.

“The Canadian toy industry has embraced this national toy drive wholeheartedly,” stated Jeff Hurst, president, Canadian Toy Association. “I am thrilled that we have already reached $80,000 worth of toys this year, up from $50,000 in our first year. For Canadian toy companies, the challenge has always been getting toys out where they are needed most.  Thanks to our friends at the R.C.M.P., they are identifying the communities and families and then delivering the toys themselves.  We know that these toys and games will help brighten the long winter months ahead for thousands of youngsters.”

In response to consumer requests, “Toys for the North” is now being opened up for public contributions.  Beginning immediately, R.C.M.P. Ontario offices in Toronto, Bowmanville, Newmarket and Milton will be accepting unwrapped new toys.  On Santa Claus Parade day, families can bring toys to a drop box in the CHFI tent in front of the Royal Ontario Museum on Bloor Street at University where R.C.M.P. officers will be accepting donations from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm when the parade starts.  A number of offices and businesses locally and as far away as Edmonton have set up internal toy drives to add to the contribution.

R.C.M.P. Superintendent Kevin Harrison, who has been coordinating the distribution of toys, says the men and women serving in the north took great delight in helping get the toys out last year.

“Our people work very closely with the leaders and families in these remote communities, not just during the work day but also as neighbours, friends and community volunteers,” he explained. “Last year toys went out by sled and snowmobiles, ATV’s…any way we can reach the most remote regions.  I’m proud to say that the officers and staff even gift wrapped all the toys too!”

This year a generous donation of holiday wrapping paper from Hallmark will also be flown north with the toys, to make the job much easier.

Surrounded by skids of toys which have been received and stored at no charge by Thomson Terminals, representatives from the Santa Claus Parade, Canadian Toy Association and R.C.M.P. made a symbolic presentation of the toys to The Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and M.P. for Nunavut.

“Growing up in Canada’s north, I know that this kind and generous donation of toys will make a huge impact on thousands of families,” Ms. Aglukkaq remarked.  “It is heartwarming to see these agencies and companies…and now the general public, too…recognize the need and take action together, to bring smiles to the faces of the children of the north.”

Where to Donate Toys

 

Santa Claus Parade Day Donations Drop Box

At the CHFI Radio tent (on the Parade route)

In front of Royal Ontario Museum,

Southwest corner of Bloor Street @ University

From 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, Sunday, November 20, 2011

 

 

R.C.M.P. Drop Boxes for “Toys for the North” Donations

 

Toronto Airport
255 Attwell Drive
Etobicoke, ON M9W 7G2
Telephone: (905) 405-3750

Toronto East (Bowmanville)
415 Baseline Road West
Box 1500
Bowmanville, ON L1C 4V7
Telephone: (905) 697-6000

Toronto North (Newmarket)
345 Harry Walker Parkway South
Newmarket, ON L3Y 8P6
Telephone: (905) 953-7267

Toronto West (Milton)
2755 High Point Drive
Milton, ON L9T 5E8
Telephone: (905) 876-9500

 

 

Communities Receiving “Toys for the North” in 2011

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Aklavik

Deline

Dettah

Fort Good Hope

Fort Liard

Fort MacPherson

Fort Providence

Fort Resolution
Fort Simpson
Fort Smith
Gameti

Hay River
Inuvik

Lutselke
Nahanni Butte
N'Dilo

Tuktoyaktuk
Tulita
Ulukhaktok

Wha Ti

 

NUNAVUT

Arctic Bay

Arviat

Baker Lake

Cape Dorset

Chesterfield Inlet

Clyde River

Coral Harbour

Gjoa Haven

Grise Fiord

Hall Beach

Igloolik,
Iqaluit

Kimmirut

Kugaaruk

Kugluktuk

Pangnirtung

Pond Inlet
Qikiqtarjuak

Rankin Inlet

Repulse Bay

Resolute Bay

Saanikiluaq
Taloyoak

Whale Cove