CANORA - Once again, the Yuletide Toy Drive is underway in Canora for the Christmas season, and will continue until Dec. 18, according to Jocelyn Weinbender, spokesperson.
One of the highlights that many look forward to during the Toy Drive each year is Fill the Sleigh Day, this year set for this Saturday (Dec. 9) at the Canora Red Apple Store. From the time the doors open, right up until closing, an ambulance will be parked outside the store. Canora and area residents are encouraged to help fill the ambulance and “bring a smile to a child’s face.” Cash donations are also gratefully accepted.
Weinbender said the Toy Drive is a highlight of the year for her, as well as many local residents.
“It’s so good to be able to help people when they need it and lighten their load,” she said. “It helps put the cheer back in people’s lives, especially with the rising cost of living and everything else going on. It’s neat to be able to watching the community come together.”
The goal for the Toy Drive this year is $6,000, after raising just under $5,300 in 2022. During Fill the Sleigh Day, Red Apple shoppers may enter to win a basket of goodies worth $50 if they make a donation of $5 or more to the toy drive.
Red apple has also made a commitment to donate five per cent of all sales on Dec. 9 back to the Toy Drive for further toy purchases.
The Yuletide Toy Drive is in memory of the late Byron Chayeski, an advanced care paramedic in Canora. Chayeski organized the first drive in 2010, when it was known as the Yuletide Medic Drive.
As is the case every year, the goal is to provide gifts for kids of all ages. In addition to toys, Weinbender said popular donations include: art supplies, story books, blankets, mittens, socks and Tim Hortons gift certificates. Cash donations are very helpful because it allows organizers to fill the gaps if a specific gift is lacking for a certain age group.
During the 2022 Yuletide Toy Drive, a total of 66 children from 23 families received gifts.
Weinbender emphasized that the personal information of those who receive gifts is kept confidential. “Yes, definitely, gift wrappers only know the age of the child and what they like.”
For this year, a number of local businesses are supporting the Toy Drive.
“Cash and donations of new toys and gifts are being accepted at Red Apple, Aspen Paramedic Service (formerly Canora Ambulance Care) and at Crossroads Credit Union,” said Weinbender.
Potential donors are reminded that food is not accepted for this toy drive. Instead, food donations should be made to various food hampers around Canora. For safety and health concerns, only new gift items should be donated, no used items.
As mentioned earlier, donations will be accepted until Dec. 18. After the gifts are wrapped, Weinbender is expecting delivery to take place on Dec. 20 and 21.
“Some people get excited and like to get involved in the Toy Drive as volunteers.”
Anyone interested in volunteering, or looking to receive gifts, is encouraged to phone Jocelyn Weinbender at 306-563-5625.
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