Holiday joy and fulfilled wishes sprang up in the middle of the Town Square on December 2, 2010 when Shops at Don Mills collaborated with Global Toronto and the Toronto Fire Fighters for their TOY DRIVE EXTRAVAGANZA.
From 5pm to 8pm, the Toronto Firefighters collected new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to underprivileged children, as well as promoted monetary donations through CanadaHelps.org. Global Toronto’s News Hour at six o’clock was broadcast LIVE from the Town Square at Shops at Don Mills with anchors, Leslie Roberts and Anne Mroczkowski. Veteran reporter Susan Hay interviewed people who brought donations and those milling in the Town Square. Rounding out the broadcast was Anthony Farnell who reported the weather from Shops at Don Mills.
“Global Television is a great partner in all our collaborations, being a part of our community since they are located just down the street,” said Alan J. Gomez, Marketing Director at Shops at Don Mills. “When they approached me for this fantastic and worthy cause, I knew it was a perfect fit for our unique urban village.”
The Town Square was very busy with a growing pile of toys around the 35ft holiday tree. Anyone that brought a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more received a scrumptious burger and drink from South St. Burger Co. and a hot chocolate and cookie compliments of Starbucks. Both clients were elated with the exposure on television and to be a part of this event.
But the giving didn’t stop there. Shops at Don Mills donated a $500 Cadillac Fairview shop! card® for those that brought a toy to the TOY DRIVE EXTRAVAGANZA. The draw took place on December 3 and the lucky winner was John Hektor, who eagerly picked up his card to start his holiday shopping.
The evening also featured performances by the world renowned St. Michaels School Choir as well as by the Junior Choir from local Crestwood School, which brought a special element of holiday joy to the evening. Everyone joined in on the singing and carols were heard throughout Shops at Don Mills.
And what Toy Drive would be complete without the man himself? Santa Claus, his helper and his reindeer were there to greet the children and turned out to be a fantastic photo opportunity for many parents. The kids also enjoyed playing at the interactive LEGO Duplo Fun Station and receiving tips from the Lego Certified Professional, who built a 4 x 3 foot fire truck on site.
The final results of the evening? Over 600 toys were collected and over $1000 in gift cards and monetary donations. Additionally, due to the TOY DRIVE EXTRAVAGANZA LIVE event, two online monetary donations were received through CanadaHelps.org for an additional $2500. Visitors came from as far as Brantford, Mississauga and Caledon.
“I just can't express how much I, personally, appreciate the efforts of Global Toronto, Lego Canada, and Shops at Don Mills, in producing the recent wonderful winter event in aid of the Toronto Fire Fighters’ Toy Drive,’ said Doug Sargent, Retired District Chief and founder of the Toronto Fire Fighters’ Toy Drive. “Despite the cold, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we got such a great amount of donations. It will be tough to duplicate, but I am already looking forward to next year. I know a lot of thought and effort went into the final result and we here at the warehouse can't say enough about it. All in all, our hats are off to all of you who made it possible.”
A great evening of giving, laughter and joy was had by everyone who attended. Many children will benefit from the generosity of those that dropped off toys and the fabulous collaboration between the Toronto Firefighters, Global Toronto and Shops at Don Mills. We look forward to being part of this wonderful event in 2011.