TORONTO: Premier Doug Ford stopped by the Salvation Army head office earlier this week.
He later tweeted: “This year, the goal is to collect 150,000 unwrapped toys & gifts for kids across Ontario. If you can, please donate. Visit http://ToyMountain.ca to donate and for more information on drop-off locations.
The Salvation Army said in a statement: “In Canada, 1 in 11 people live in poverty. Behind the cheerful lights, thousands of Canadians are fighting to make ends meet—especially during Christmastime.
“Together, we can restore hope and dignity to those in need. I want to thank all the volunteers and organizers at the @salvationarmy for working tirelessly through this season to ensure others can have a Merry Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army has shared Christmas joy with 6,766 vulnerable people across Norfolk, including 3,810 children who will have presents to open on Christmas Day.
The church and charity’s Toys & Tins Appeal has seen a 27 percent increase in referrals for vulnerable children from social services, schools and support groups as well as struggling parents contacting The Salvation Army directly.
Each family referred to The Salvation Army receives a Christmas hamper of food and each child receives on average five gifts, including one or two larger items and stocking fillers.
Generous donations from the public have enabled volunteers to sort, pack and deliver approximately 19,000 gifts.