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Local families feel community support over the holidays with Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive

January 4, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The County of Simcoe Paramedics Services 21st Annual Food and Toy Drive received huge support from the public during the holiday season.

The Drive received more than 18,140 toys, 14,757 lbs of food, and $21,342.34 in monetary donations and gift cards.

“With the need growing each and every year, I am so proud to see our County of Simcoe Paramedic Services staff, volunteers, and students continue to give their time and energy to support those in need,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “It is truly amazing how our community embraced the campaign’s motto, ‘give a little, help a lot,’ as every little bit adds up to help bring Christmas to families in need. Although this year’s collection bins have been put away for the season, I’d like to remind everyone that we always accept donations online at simcoe.ca/toydrive.”

This year’s Food and Toy Drive received a significant boost through donations from businesses, including Global Medic and Cavalier Transport, municipal partners, schools and organizations that hosted toy drives throughout December.

With this year’s totals, the CSPS Food and Toy Drive has collected over 122,835 toys, 66,174 lbs of food, and approximately $267,800.27 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County since the Drive began 21 years ago.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our paramedics, volunteers, students and staff who have taken time out of their busy holiday season to attend parades and collection events held across the region,” said Sarah Mills, Director and Chief of the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. “The donations we receive stay in the community, allowing donors to see the impact their generosity has on the lives of their neighbours. Thank you to those who gave, not just to our Drive, but to any organization working to better the lives of those we serve. It truly takes a village.”

All donations will continue to be distributed to local children and families in need by charitable organizations working in partnership with the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services.

Some of the charities supported by the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive include the Salvation Army, Bradford Heling Hands Food Bank, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, Barrie Christmas Cheer, and several local food banks, including those in Alliston, Clearview, Coldwater, Elmvale, Tottenham, Orillia, and Wasaga Beach.

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