The Archway Toys for Tots Christmas Brunch presented by Clarion Hotel celebrated another successful year, showcasing the community’s generosity towards children and seniors in need during the holiday season. Archway Community Services is pleased to announce that the event raised $50,000 and collected 2,355 toys for the Archway Christmas Bureau.
Over 1,300 guests attended the 12th annual free, family event and enjoyed a delightful buffet brunch, live local entertainment, and photos with Santa.
Cliff Prang returned as the emcee while festive mascots from Oui Entertain were on hand for photo opportunities.
Live entertainment was provided by Cambree Lovesy, Joy Vox Community Choir, Ryan McAllister, Abby Senior Drumline, Abby Middle Rock Band and princesses from A Little Moore Magic.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre for hosting this wonderful community event and to their staff for their warm hospitality.”
Cambree Lovesy performs at Toys for Tots
In addition to the event itself, toys are collected throughout the month of November through various drop-off sites at participating businesses in Abbotsford and through the annual Toy Drive organized by wrestler Jasmit Singh Phulka and local realtor Rajin Gill, which brought in an additional truckload of toys during the event.
The event’s success was made possible by the support of community sponsors such as platinum sponsors Envision Financial, Varing Marketing Group, and Jag’s Furniture & Mattress.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre for hosting this wonderful community event and to their staff for their warm hospitality. Special thanks to Chef Jonathan Stewart for his exceptional buffet, Katie Dieleman for ensuring everything ran smoothly, and Daniel Laverick for his continued involvement since the event’s inception in 2013,” said Rebecca Thuro, Archway food security manager.
Volunteer coordinator, Kourtnie Sohl organized more than 70 volunteers to help with event setup and take-down. Volunteers included representatives from sponsoring organizations Envision Financial, Varing Marketing Group, McDonald’s, and Gulf and Fraser.
Also helping at the event were the UFV Women’s Soccer, U13 Abby Hawks, and U15 A1 AMHA Hockey teams, Abbotsford Firefighters, Abbotsford Police Department and Abbotsford Paramedics.
“The overwhelming success of Toys for Tots is only possible thanks to the countless volunteers, sponsors and community members who tangibly display their care for the children and youth of our community through their generous contributions. Thank you, Abbotsford, for your ongoing support and participation.”
“The overwhelming success of Toys for Tots is only possible thanks to the countless volunteers, sponsors and community members who tangibly display their care for the children and youth of our community through their generous contributions. Thank you, Abbotsford, for your ongoing support and participation,” said Archway CEO, Rod Santiago.
Donations from Toys for Tots will help fill the Archway Christmas Bureau Toy Room, which will give out gifts to more than 1,500 children, 600 teens and 230 seniors this holiday season.
Caregivers can choose gifts for their children at the Toy Room, which is being hosted at Sevenoaks Alliance Church for the fourth year in a row.
The Archway Christmas Bureau will also provide the ingredients to a traditional holiday meal for more than 1,000 households this year in addition to the regular food hampers provided by the Archway Food Bank to more than 5,000 individuals each month.
“Food banks across Canada are reporting the highest visits in history and Abbotsford is no exception. The effects of high food and housing costs are being felt by seniors and families and the holidays only add to their financial stress,” said Thuro.
Those in need of help from the Christmas Bureau can contact the Archway Food Bank at 604-859-7814 or visit AbbotsfordFoodBank.com
If you were unable to attend the event but wish to help create some holiday magic, you can still drop off new, unwrapped gifts at the Archway Food Bank at 33914 Essendene Ave. or make a donation to the food bank online.
