CANORA - “Every year we have this, I’m surprised and amazed how people come together to support the toy drive, even complete strangers who hear about it for the first time while shopping at The Red Apple Store.”
Jocelyn Weinbender, spokesperson for the annual Fill the Sleigh Toy Drive in Canora, said this year’s target was $6,000, and at press time, that number had already been surpassed with a total of $6,083.05.
“With everything going up in cost for all of us, it was a good year.”
A major driver behind the toy drive was the annual Fill the Sleigh Day at the Red Apple, which was held on Dec. 7 this year. Red Apple donated five per cent of toy purchases from that day, totaling $486.31, back to the toy drive to help purchase more toys. Weinbender said there was a lot going on during Fill the Sleigh Day.
“Santa dropped in to spend time with everyone from 10 a.m. to around 3 p.m. For each donation of $5 or more, the names went into a draw for basket full of goodies. There was another draw for a stuffed dinosaur, and the winner donated it back to the toy drive.”
“We had an actual sleigh this year,” continued Weinbender. “Once that was full, the rest of the toys went into the ambulance.”
Weinbender said the toy drive owes much of its success to the support of volunteers, including Red Apple staff as well as other community-minded individuals, who help during Fill the Sleigh Day, and also wrapping toys and making the deliveries before Christmas.
So far, Weinbender said 11 families with 32 children were set to receive toys this year. “We don’t always realize how much it means to these families.”
Delivery of the toys to the needy families was set for Dec. 19 and 20. “We’re planning on doing it while the kids are still in school, so it’s more of a surprise.”
Weinbender had a message of gratitude for Canora Courier readers.
“A huge heartfelt thank you for the continued support, and for the support of The Red Apple Store. Merry Christmas to everyone.”
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