The 12th annual Archway Toys for Tots Christmas Brunch event presented by the Clarion Hotel will be held Sunday, November 24th from 10am to 1pm. The event collects toys and donations for the Christmas Bureau program of the Archway Food Bank.
Community members who bring gifts or donations can enjoy a free buffet brunch along with live entertainment at the drop-in event at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre.
“The joy of giving is truly felt at our annual Toys for Tots event,” said Food Security manager at Archway, Rebecca Thuro. “We are excited to see our community come together once again to support those in need this holiday season.”
With the ongoing increased need for food bank services, Thuro estimates they will provide gifts for more than 1,500 children, 600 teens and 230 seniors this holiday season, along with the ingredients for a Christmas meal.
“Every toy and donation make a significant impact. We are grateful for the generosity of our community as we aim to brighten the holidays for thousands of Abbotsford families.”
The Christmas Bureau toy room opens November 27th and all the toys donated at the event will go directly to stocking the currently empty shelves.
“My Christmas would have looked very sad. As a single-income family, this helped us greatly. I was able to breathe and relax a bit more during the holidays knowing my children had things to open up on Christmas morning,” said a Christmas Bureau participant.
Live entertainment will be provided by Cambree Lovesy, Ryan McAllister, Joy Vox Community Choir, and the Abby Senior Drumline. Cliff Prang is returning as the event emcee and attendees can have a photo and visit with Santa.
While the event title highlights toddlers, gifts are also collected for older children, teens and seniors. The new and unwrapped gifts are gathered into a toy mountain that grows throughout the event.
Toys can also be dropped off at the Archway Food Bank during the work week or at drop-off locations all over Abbotsford at participating sponsors in the month of November.
The Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre partners with Archway to host the event and other sponsors like Envision Financial, Jag’s furniture, and Varing Marketing Group help cover other event costs and provide volunteers to help run the event.
“Hosting the Toys for Tots event is a highlight of our year,” said Daniel Laverick, General Manager at Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre. “We are honoured to partner with Archway Community Services and witness the incredible community spirit that this event fosters.”
For more information on the event, including suggested gift ideas and drop-off locations, please visit AbbyToysforTots.ca
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“We are grateful for the generosity of our community as we aim to brighten the holidays for thousands of Abbotsford families.”