After another very generous year, Canadian Tire Toys Days has come to a close.

The two-day event presented by Canadian Tire, Golden West Broadcasting, and the Swift Current Salvation Army, saw hundreds of donations made. Every toy contributed will be going to a child this Christmas, ensuring they all have something to open Christmas morning. 

Renee Mailman, Lieutenant for the Swift Current Salvation Army, was pleased to see just how much this community gave again this year. 

"It looks pretty good," said Mailman. "It might not seem like as much as last year, but I know once we come down to it and we start counting it, there's usually close to or over 300 toys."

Alongside cash donations made to Canadian Tire which will be used to purchase more toys, these are all going to the Salvation Army. They will be setting up a toy store in the Salvation Army Cathedral, where registered families of the 371 kids and teenagers that registered, will be taken on a guided tour. 

Mailman expects parents to be the main parties taking the tours, as Children will want to open the gifts they select at the Toy Store on Christmas Day, without spoiling the surprise. 

"Pickup dates for those who've registered for toy hampers start December 13," noted Mailman.

This method of letting parents choose the gifts, rather than the Salvation Army handing them a random gift, creates a more natural setting. Parents are able to pick something they know their kids want, and the kids receive a gift directly from their parents they can thank them for. 

Folks looking to drop off more toys or donations are welcome to do so before December 8. That's the last possible chance for donations to be safely and responsibly screened and added to the chapel toy store. 

Mailman extended a thank you to all the businesses and corporate entities who donated this year. She also thanked everyone who provided monetary donations. 

"We just always like to say how grateful that we are to this community for all that they do to support us," said Mailman. "We're so grateful for the many generous donations, especially this year when we know that it's been a bit more of a struggle for people. This community always steps up and it's always relieving to see." 

 

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