The Fergus Lions Club kicked off the 16th year of its annual toy drive at Reliable Ford on Nov. 12 with a $2,000 cheque presentation to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Lion Gary Waterhouse said the club saw the success of the food bank’s Christmas hamper program and wanted to contribute by collecting toys to accompany the foodstuffs.
“Some of these kids don’t get the opportunity to get a lot of stuff at Christmas time, so we thought this could be an ideal way to collect toys for the kids who are less fortunate,” said Waterhouse.
Lions got the event started by each bringing in an item to the Nov. 12 launch.
Waterhouse says last year the club had six truckloads worth of toys donated, as well as almost $2,500 in cash and gift cards. With the economy getting worse he says the need increases each year.
“I think the food bank this year will be expecting over 300 families; it gets more and more every year,” he said.
“It’s something we would sooner get out of and not have to do, but if the economy was good, people wouldn’t be in this situation.”
The Lions Club will be collecting unwrapped items, gift cards and cash donations at Reliable Ford (990 Tower St. S., Fergus) until Dec. 10, when the items will be delivered to the Fergus Sportsplex for distribution by the food bank.
Reliable Ford will also have a van in the Fergus Santa Claus parade on Dec. 6 that will be collecting toys and food. Those attending the parade are encouraged to bring an item to toss in as the parade travels down St. Andrew Street.
“Over the last 16 years that it’s been running, our response has been going up – there’s such generosity … in this town, the media and all the small businesses, everyone comes together for this project,” said Waterhouse.
“It’s a lot of work, but we’re grateful.”
