THUNDER BAY — Christmas is a magical time of year for most children, but far too many are still in danger of going without under the tree.
Toys for Tots, which has been operated for decades by the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association, was created to help fill that gap, providing toys to ensure every child wakes up on Christmas morning with a present under the tree.
Campaign chair Paul Penna said this year’s campaign, which launched on Friday, is aiming to match last year’s total of $159,602, a number that will be a little easier to reach thanks to a $59,000 donation through Tim Hortons spring Smile Cookie campaign.
Penna said it’s been something the firefighters have been doing for a long time, something that’s part and parcel with the nature of their jobs.
“Firefighters, when they go somewhere, they’re always helping. We kind of work for this community. This is just something over and above that we can do at this special time of the year, to help the children that are suffering in one way or another,” Penna said.
“It means a lot and you can tell when the guys show up. We need hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours over this next month and our schedule is almost full.”
More than 175 off-duty firefighters volunteer to take part each year, Penna added, noting they are all aware of just how much of an impact Toys for Tots has in the city.
“You think back to how you were when you were a kid, and Christmas was always near and dear to our family and to me, when I was a child,” he said. “The thought of being a child and not having something under the tree at Christmastime is a terrible thought and so it’s our chance to affect up to 4,500 children in a really, really positive way.”
As always, firefighters will be set up just outside the food court area at Intercity Shopping Centre during mall hours, collecting donations. Those wishing to donate can also do so at www.tbaytoysfortots.ca or at any TD Bank location in Thunder Bay.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds are used to buy presents for children.
“We know there are people that need help. Every year we are told stories about the kids and families that really pull at the heart strings. Knowing that you’re actually helping someone — it’s awesome and that’s whey we do it.”
