NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
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MIDHURST – On Dec.18, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services wrapped up its 18th annual Toy Drive having collected 3,259 toys, 5,593 pounds of food, $25,536 in cash, and $3,100 in gift cards thanks to the generosity of the community and a number of significant donations from businesses and organizations including Toys for the North, Thomson Terminal Limited, Couchiching Jubilee House and Global Medic.
“The generosity shown by local residents through their donations of tens of thousands of dollars in toys, food and cash during this year’s Toy Drive is an excellent demonstration of our character, strength and resiliency,” said Warden George Cornell.
“With Ontario under increasing public health restrictions, many charitable initiatives are suffering. However, these kind donations, combined with the outstanding efforts of our paramedics who volunteered their time to make the Toy Drive possible, have helped to bring happiness and joy to families across our region, providing another shining example of inspiration and hope for Simcoe County residents to celebrate this festive season,” said Cornell.
With this year’s totals, the Toy Drive has collected 87,524 toys, 42,773 pounds of food, and approximately $200,893 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County over the last 18 years.
“I am so proud of our County of Simcoe Paramedics who once again gave their time and energy to help those in need and provide for struggling residents during a pandemic. COVID-19 has challenged us all to stand together as one community and this year’s results have been truly outstanding,” said Andrew Robert, Director and Chief, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services.
“Thanks to the Simcoe County Paramedic Association, we were able to create a virtual donation option that allowed our residents to continue to show their support from the safety of their own homes. I’d also like to thank the students from the Paramedic programs at Georgian College and CTS Canadian Career College for helping to promote this year’s Toy Drive to their families, friends and followers via their social media accounts.”
All donations will be distributed to local children and families in need by charitable organizations working in partnership with County of Simcoe Paramedic Services.
Charities supported by the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Toy Drive include the Salvation Army, Wasaga Beach Kinettes, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, and several local food banks including those in Elmvale, Tottenham, Orillia and Wasaga Beach.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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