Oakville Firefighters 2021 Toy Drive End Of Year Review

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Because of the generosity of Oakville residents, businesses and community organizations, we were able to distribute gifts to 3625 local children and youth. The children’s charities, institutions and agencies we work with, wish to express their gratitude to our donors and volunteers.

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The Challenge of the Pandemic

With many charities unable to accept physical items, and fire stations closed to the public, much of our normal operation was again disrupted. But once again local residents, businesses and community groups stepped up to fill the need. So many of our donors and corporate supporters were able to find creative ways to hold drives to support us. Budds' Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC served as our online receiving point, and town recreation centres and libraries served as donation drop off locations. Our drive through donation event at Coronation Park was a big success, and provided a safe alternative for residents to drop off donations. The town’s Recreation and Culture division and Parks division did an amazing job once again! Thanks to McDonalds, Fortinos and Cobs South Oakville for providing food and drinks for our volunteers!

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We are often asked how we determine need and distribute donations. Each year local charities and organizations supporting youth in need in Halton complete an application. They outline the group they are serving, and the numbers and ages of children they are supporting. These charities or organizations are working with the families and youth throughout the year. Some of the larger organizations have facilities where they can set up a "Store" where parents or caregivers can come select an item for their child. For smaller institutions without facilities we obtain the addresses of families, a wish list and deliver directly. Thanks to Home Depot South Oakville for donating boxes and special thanks to the many members who volunteered their time to sort and pack orders, shop for wish list items and make deliveries.

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Thank You!

We are continually amazed by the generosity in our community; businesses, groups, clubs, and individuals stepped up and answered the call this year. So many residents and businesses sent e-transfers which allowed us to purchase gift cards for the older age group and for charities who could not distribute physical gifts this year. The toy drive has no expenses or overhead, and all donations are used to purchase gift cards and gifts for local children and youth in need. Thanks to our gift card partners; Superstore Oakville, McDonalds Oakville, and Canadian Tire for donating extra gift cards! Oakville’s firefighters are proud to be involved in this community initiative which would not be possible without the support of all of you! Wishing you all a safe and happy 2022!

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Thanks to the following groups and individuals for your support this year!

 

Budds’ Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC

Buy Buy Baby

The Calendar Club Oakville Place

Clanmore Montessori School

Cobs Bread Oakville

Delta Bingo

The Dive Academy

Fortinos Oakville

Home Depot South Oakville

H:OM Organizing

Inside Halton

McDonalds Oakville

Mercedes Benz Oakville

Mini Oakville/Budds’ BMW Motorrad

Temple Bar

Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club

Oakville Blades Hockey Club

Oakville Hornets Hockey Club

Oakville Rangers Hockey Club

Oakville Public Library

Oakville Soccer Club

OMAC World Class Martial Arts

Palermo United Church

Petsmart North Oakville

Primal Athletics

Red Hill Orthodontics

Royal Lepage Realty Plus

Town of Oakville

Velocity EHS

Venture X Oakville

Walmart Oakville

Western Heights Montessori School

Zarpac

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MEDIA AND EVENT CONTACT

 

Kurt Merriman

Toy Drive Chair

Oakville Professional Firefighters Association

Email: toydrive1582@gmail.com