Guelph firefighters collecting toys, gift cards through annual Christmas campaign
Posted Nov 18, 2017 06:56:38 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s the chance to give back to those in the community, and help make Christmas a little more special for Guelph families in need.
Guelph fire stations are now accepting toy, gift card, and food donations as part of their annual Christmas campaign.
Chief John Osborne says it means a lot to them to be able to participate in the holiday initiative.
“Most of our firefighters have kids, and we realize how important it is for young children to celebrate the Christmas season. To see the kids with big smiles on their faces, it just gives us big smiles as well.”
Osborne says they’ve been working with The Salvation Army throughout the holidays for over 50 years or so.
“For the last two or three years, we’ve also been helping them with their toy drive. Any time that we can give back to the community, we do it.”
Last year, 877 children received toys, 205 teens received $25 gift cards, and 1,032 Christmas food hampers were distributed to families in Guelph.
Osborne says some of the items most needed this year are new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls in the age groups of 0-2, and 7-11.
The campaign runs until December 17.
Anyone looking to get involved in the hamper or toy drive can contact The Salvation Army at 519-836-9824, and toy pick-up can be arranged by calling 519-836-9360.
You can see a list of Guelph fire stations below:
50 Wyndham Street South
74 Speedvale Avenue East
115 Stone Road West
21 Imperial Road South
380 Elizabeth Street
160 Clair Road West
Guelph Fire adds that Giving Tuesday is November 28, and toys will also be accepted at Stone Road Mall, the Walmart on Woodlawn Road, and the Canadian Tire on Stone Road that day.
