Small community provides thousands of Christmas gifts for children in need
Thousands of gifts are being prepared to be sent to families across Simcoe County.
Volunteers with the Friends of Keewatin were busy packaging boxes and filling vehicles full of presents for children ahead of Christmas morning.
The group collected over 4,000 toys that will be distributed to local charities and organizations.
"These are children who otherwise might not receive a toy at all because their families can't afford it," said Wayne Coombs, the president of Friends of Keewatin.
On Wednesday, charities like the Lions Clubs of Port McNicoll and Coldwater and the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre came to the distribution site to begin the delivery process.
"We are supporting 27 families this year with a total of 68 kids, so every toy that we get helps us reach our goal," said Sheri Black, the secretary for the Lions Club.
"Their support has made a huge difference in how many families we can service. Last year we serviced over 150 families. This year we're already totalling over 250," said Kendall Lamb, the young family and child service coordinator for Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre.
The list of charities and organizations has grown this year to include two Ukrainian Welcome Committees in Barrie and North Simcoe.
The groups say many families arrived in Canada with very little and are still adjusting to life in Simcoe County but knowing they can provide a special Christmas for their children brings comfort during a time of uncertainty.
"The toys are very important for people who came from Ukraine," said Iryna Leskiv, an organizer with the Barrie committee.
"We thank you so so much from all my heart. Thank you."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.