The Salvation Army kicked off their Toy Drive today with help from the city of Yellowknife Mayor Ben Hendriksen, Premier RJ Simpson, Beverly and Tony Brushett of the Salvation Army along with Imran Khan, vice president of Northwestel.
Beverly and Tony Brushett thanked all community members and partners including Khan for their support for the toy drive.
“It does take the whole community and we’re thankful for the generosity of Yellowinifers and it means so much actually,” said Beverly Brushett.
“I just want to say, you have to be there when the parents go and pick up the toys. First of all, they’re amazed when they go into the room and see how much is there. They’re so grateful. And when they find a toy that matches, their kids personality interests and all that, it’s just a beautiful thing, right? It’s really a beautiful thing to witness,” she explained.
As Brushett points out, every child should be able to enjoy the simple joys of a toy, especially at this time of year and parents want to be able to do that for their kids.
Brushett explained that the toy drive also helps parents and guardians to save money for things like food, while still providing the joy of toys for their children over the holidays.
Premier Simpson said the toy drive is a reminder of the power of collective action.
“As we enter the holiday season, we’re reminded that collective action is a foundation of a resilient and caring community working together across governments, businesses and organisations, strengthens our shared ability to support learners in the way none of us can do alone.”
Khan explained this is year 10 the organization is working with the Salvation Army for the annual drive and donated $5,000 to help launch the campaign.
The premier said the drive is a good example of how industry and non-profits, along with community leadership can come together in the “spirit of the holidays.”
Mayor Hendriksens said that the toy drive and the food drive being organized by the Salvation Army with partnerships like Northwestel are critical for the community, to help “fill that gap.”
The toy drive takes place until Dec. 9 and members of the public can donate toys at Northwestel’s Yellowknife location on 5201-50th Avenue.
Tony Brushett said the toy donations will be collected by the local Salvation Army for children in need during the holiday season.
Khan joined the premier and the mayor in donating personalized toy gifts, including a nerf gun, a chemistry set and a toy dragon to the toy box set up inside 5201 50th Avenue.
“We hope to fill this box up. This particular box here to overflow to help as many kids as we can in the communities,” said Khan.
“It’s so cool to watch us, grown-ups us, mature people start losing it over toys. You know because we never grow out of it, because we know what toys do, right? They build imagination and they just build creativity. Kids might make a career choice of some of the toys that they pick out,” said Beverly Brushett.
Registration for the Holiday toys and food kettles, open to families and individuals in need in Yellowknife, Dettah and N’Dilo are taking place Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1: 30 to 4: 30 pm at the church entrance until Dec. 3, said Tony Brushett.
Anyone who would like more information can contact the Salvation Army in Yellowknife.
More details to come on Food Kettle donation drop off locations and the opening day of the Salvation Army toy store in December, that rumour has it, will include a visit from Santa!
