TORONTO: Mayor John Tory announced a donation of nearly 5,000 children’s toys with an estimated value of $61,000 from Spin Master Ltd., an international toy company. The toys will be distributed to families with children in vulnerable communities across the city throughout the holiday season.
The City of Toronto worked with Spin Master Ltd. to secure the donation in time for the holidays. The toys will now be distributed to families and children in need throughout Toronto, with a focus on the City’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs): www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/neighbourhoods-communities/neighbourhood-profiles/nia-profiles/.
Distribution of the gifts will start at City Investing in Families Holiday Drive events. These events support low-income families through the City’s community centres, and will be scheduled in conjunction with community agencies.
The toys will also be included in holiday gift baskets given to families who participate in the City’s Youth Enhance Program Spaces: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/youth-recreation/. Some of the toys will also be given to agencies serving newcomers to Toronto.
Since the estimated value of this donation exceeds the $50,000 threshold for donation acceptance under the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy, City Council approval is required to accept the donation.
The City, through the Strategic Partnerships office, plays a key role in facilitating civic philanthropy, including by advertising and accepting donations through the DonateTO portal at www.toronto.ca/donateTO and by working with large private donors.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City, through DonateTO, has managed more than $35 million in donations of food, goods, services and funds, connecting donors to programs where their gifts make a difference.
Mayor Tory said: “We know that the holidays can be a difficult time for many families including low-income and newcomer families, and this donation will go a long way to bring joy to children and youth across our city. I want to thank Spin Master for their very generous donation of nearly 5,000 toys, worth $61,000.”