CANORA - With local residents being forced to adapt to rapid inflation, there may have been some doubt as to whether they could find a way to support the annual Yuletide Toy Drive held in Canora each year.
But once again, organizers report another busy Toy Drive during the pre-Christmas season. After reaching a total of just under $5,300 for the 2022 toy drive, an ambitious goal of $6,000 was set. The community came through, and exceeded the target with a total of $6,053.53 raised. Over and above that figure, The Red Apple Store gave back a total of $400 from Fill the Sleigh Day on Dec. 9 for additional toy purchases.
Jocelyne Weinbender, spokesperson, said she continues to be amazed by the support.
“It’s been phenomenal,” said Weinbender. “Every year it kind of surprises you, and this year we got to that point of reaching that goal. The community support is phenomenal. Red Apple staff and other volunteers are just amazing.”
Once again, Weinbender said there were plenty of willing volunteers to make sure everything ran smoothly on Fill the Sleigh Day, a central reason for the success of the Yuletide Toy Drive. She added that the Toy Drive in general would not be possible without volunteer support.
“It takes a community.”
Volunteers who gave of their time included: Brooklyn Reine, Amber Weinbender, Chance Weinbender, Daylia Lukey, Zennia Lukey, Curtis Monette, Ryan Monette, Aubrey Monette, Allen Chobtar. Jayden Dergousoff and Jax McLeod.
On Fill the Sleigh Day, Santa Claus paid a visit to The Red Apple Store and spent several hours making new friends of all ages and thanking those who supported the Toy Drive.
At press time, a total of 31 children in 12 families were set to receive toys this year, thanks to the generosity of Canora and area residents. That number could still go up.
After the presents are accumulated, they are organized by volunteers, everything is re-wrapped, and arrangements are made for toy delivery and pickup, “which is always a highlight of the Toy Drive,” said Weinbender.
When asked if she had a message for Canora Courier readers, Weinbender said, “Yes, definitely, thanks for the continued support, and Merry Christmas.”
