Dear Editor:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on the world and Centre Wellington is no exception. The Centre Wellington Food Bank has had to cancel the usual means of collecting food, cash and toys, etc. for their Christmas Hamper drive this year.
We will continue to do our part to support our home community. Reliable Ford has again stepped up to the plate and will continue to partner with the Fergus Lions Club to host the annual Toy Drive, although it will look different again this year. Many thanks go to Greg McCabe and the staff at dealership who really get behind this toy drive in a big way.
There will not be a formal kickoff this year. The toy drive will commence on Nov. 8 and donations will be accepted until Dec. 3. As we did last year, we are asking for gift cards and cash donations be made at the dealership, located at 990 Tower Street South in Fergus.
Please ensure that the original receipt for the dollar value of the gift certificate is enclosed with it, so the balance of the card is clear. Food bank volunteers will ensure that gift cards are distributed evenly. Thank you for understanding.
This is a short time period for this year’s toy drive, but necessary to allow the food bank to evenly distribute funds and gift cards to their clients, enabling them to shop and prepare for their families this holiday season. Gift cards can be purchased at most grocery stores, restaurants, chain stores, etc., but we also encourage supporting local stores that offer gift certificates, making it easy for families to access gifts close to home and helping us all to support local this season.
Our hope is that next year we can resume the fun tradition of a proper toy drive at the holidays, as we know people enjoy the wonderment toys and games bring to children, but until that time, we hope we can count on the incredible generosity of our community to make this year’s toy drive a success.
For more than 20 years, the Fergus Lions Club has been astounded by the kindness and support you have shown this event, and we are grateful for your continued support.
For Elora residents unable to get to Reliable Ford, please drop your donations to 124 John Street in Elora, and we’ll ensure your donations are delivered.
On behalf of the Fergus Lions Club and the team at Reliable Ford, we thank you for your consideration and participation, and sincerely wish you an early Merry Christmas!
Gary Waterhouse,
Fergus Lions Club Toy Drive Chairman