THUNDER BAY -- For 12 years a local wellness centre has helped bring smiles to hundreds of children's faces on Christmas Day.
The Cranton Wellness Centre and the Salvation Army kicked off the 12th annual Toy Mountain campaign Tuesday, which will help collect new unwrapped toys and items for unfortunate children.
Cranton Wellness Centre owner Allan Cranton said the campaign allows the wellness centre to give back to the community of Thunder Bay.
“This is really important,” Cranton said. “I think for some of the kids this may be the only gift they get all Christmas season, and it’s really important for us to step up to the plate and do everything we can to make this come true.”
Although the presents collected are for children age’s newborn to 18, the campaign has started to focus more on teens.
Cranton said there’s a big push for teenagers, because they seem to be the group left out each year.
“Being a wellness centre, of course, our drive is for healthy (activities), so sports equipment and technology as well,” he said.
Last year, the campaign collected more than $500 in cash and gift cards, and more than 400 presents, the most they’ve collected in the past 12 years.
The Cranton Wellness Centre staff is hoping to surpass last year’s donations.
Cranton said as soon as the office put the word out within hours people had started coming in and dropping off toys.
“The people in Thunder Bay are awesome for stepping up and helping people in need, Thunder Bay is great,” he said.
“We are looking forward to all the donations that will come pouring in this holiday season.”
Those who want to donate to Toy Mountain can bring the new toys to the Cranton Wellness Centre on Memorial Avenue by Dec. 21.
