THUNDER BAY – It was mission accomplished for the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters' Association's Toys for Tots campaign.
In a ceremony at Intercity Shopping Centre, it was announced this year’s campaign set a new fundraising record of $180,419.
The previous mark of $177,071 was set in 2023.
“We couldn’t ask for more from Thunder Bay,” said Rob Wilson, who served as a co-chair with fellow firefighter Dylan Patterson.
The funds from the campaign are made out to Christmas Cheer and will provide toys to more than 4,000 children that would have gone without a gift during the holidays.
“It’s unfortunate that there’s so many people that are needing this service, but the people in this community have stepped up once again, even with the cost of living being the way it is,” Wilson said.
“Whether it’s $2 or $2,000, Thunder Bay continues to show up for those who are in need,” said Jill Thompson, chair of the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund.
“It’s incredible to watch and incredible to be a part of.”
In addition to donations from the public at the Toys for Tots locations at the Intercity Shopping Centre and Goods & Co. Market, the campaign also got help from donation drives that were hosted by Boston Pizza, St. Patrick High School, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Canadian Tire, George’s Market, Ashley HomeStore, the Waterfront District BIA and the Kam River Fighting Walleye.
“This was the first year that Dylan and I served as co-chairs so it was different from that perspective to see how the campaign goes and the support that everyone has for Toys for Tots,” Wilson said.
“There’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that I had no idea that we would be involved in. Reaching out to these community partners and making contact with them was great, and I hope that we can continue these donation drives and grow with it.”
