It鈥檚 becoming a Canora Christmas tradition.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Once again, Canora Ambulance is holding the annual Yuletide Toy Drive for those who may otherwise go without gifts this Christmas season, said Jocelyn Weinbender, spokesperson with Canora Ambulance.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The first drive was held in 2010, organized by the late Byron Chayeski, an advanced care paramedic. At that time, it was known as the Yuletide Medic Drive.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The drive appears to be getting more support from the community each year, with approximately 36 families receiving toys last year.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Weinbender said it鈥檚 very rewarding to be a part of this popular project.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淚t鈥檚 good to give back to the community and help those who are fiscally in need. Sometimes it makes them so happy, they start to cry.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Weinbender said any family which contacts Canora Ambulance to receive toys are assured that they will remain anonymous.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Toy collection began right after Remembrance day and continues until December 18. Cash donations are also welcome, which will be used where there are specific needs not met by toy donations.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Donations of new toys, books, crafts and games may be left in donation bins set out at the following Canora locations:聽 The Bargain Shop, Canora Pharmacy, Mall Centre Pharmacy, Canora Junior Elementary School, Canora Composite School, Canora Ambulance Care, Crossroads Credit Union, the CIBC or Tim Hortons during business or office hours. Monetary donations may also be left at the Canora Ambulance office or at The Bargain Shop.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Weinbender said The Bargain Shop will be the site of the Fill the Sleigh campaign on December 9.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淲e are planning to bring an EMS ambulance vehicle to the store, with the goal of filling it with toys by the end of the day.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The Bargain Shop has pledged to make an additional donation of 10 per cent of all toy purchases on December 9 to the toy drive.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 After the drive closes on December 18, Canora Ambulance staff will be making their own donations and then wrapping the presents.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Those who are looking for more information or who wish to be considered for gifts may call the Canora Ambulance.
