More than 18,140 toys, 14,757 pounds of food, and $21,342.34 in moneyand gift cards were donated to the County of Simcoe Paramedics Services 21st Annual Food and Toy Drive.
“With the need growing each and every year, I am so proud to see our County of Simcoe Paramedic Services staff, volunteers and students continue to give their time and energy to support those in need,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “It is truly amazing how our community embraced the campaign’s motto, ‘give a little, help a lot,’ as every little bit adds up to help bring Christmas to families in need. Although this year’s collection bins have been put away for the season, I’d like to remind everyone that we always accept donations online at simcoe.ca/toydrive.”
This year’s Food and Toy Drive received a significant boost through donations from businesses, including Global Medic and Cavalier Transport, and municipal partners, schools and organizations who hosted Toy Drives throughout December. The Food and Toy Drive has collected over 122,835 toys, 66,174 pounds of food, and approximately $267,800.27 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County since it began 21 years ago.
Some of the charities supported include the Salvation Army, Bradford Helping Hands Food Bank, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, Barrie Christmas Cheer and several local food banks including those in Alliston, Clearview, Coldwater, Elmvale, Tottenham, Orillia and Wasaga Beach.