THUNDER BAY – Local firefighters have outdone themselves yet again in this season’s Toys For Tots fundraising campaign.
A miniature fire engine rolled up to the stairs in the Intercity Mall food court at noon on Monday to deliver a wrapped giant check for $161,695.90, more than $1,100 greater than their 2014 donation.
It was the seventh year firefighter Ryan Currie has participated in the campaign that collects donations at a high-profile juncture of the mall, conducts corporate toy drives and features firefighters serving in local restaurants and bars.
“For us, obviously, it’s all about the kids living in poverty,” Currie said.
“We want to make sure they have a toy under the Christmas tree every year and Thunder Bay is so gracious. They come out every year and it seems to get bigger and bigger. It’s all about the kids and to make them have a special day that morning, on Christmas.”
The toys are added to the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer hampers, whose record output surprised organizers.
“Our numbers shocked us when we started to get the total,” said cheer chair Joleene Kemp.
“To go up to 5,000-plus (hampers) sends a clear message that more and more families haven’t been able to put together the extra that’s needed for the celebration of Christmas.”
Kemp described a mixture of joy and sorrow as her team was exposed to the degree of need among the city’s disenfranchised.
“Tears come to my eyes very easily. I listen to stories and I think I’m a good reader of people. There was generosity all the way around .we had people who volunteered with us who at one time we re recipients. They came and they’re coming and giving back. The old line about paying it forward, it really does work.”
