Toys were in a lot of shopping carts over the past Christmas shopping weekend, but they’re not all going under the tree.

The Cochrane District EMS and CDSSAB employees held the 7th Annual Fill an Ambulance and Crib Toy Drive on Saturday, with ambulances parked outside the Canadian Tire and Wal-mart in Timmins.

The fundraising campaign raised $2,600 in cash and filled two ambulances with toys for the Christmas Angel Campaign, with Northeastern Ontario Family and Children Services. The toys and funds will be distributed to families within Timmins and the surrounding areas.

“We’ve been doing this for the last seven years,” said Derick Cremin, Commander with Cochrane EMS, “just for family throughout the northeast that are unfortunate and not able to have a Christmas. So, we looked at this a few years ago and thought it’d be beneficial to the community. And the community has supported us, as you can see today.”

The Christmas Angel Campaign helps distribute toys from wish lists to youths and families. The youths range from 0-18, and the toy selection shows a wide range of toys for boys and girls within that age range. Staff at Cochrane District EMS are thankful for all the support this campaign has received.

“This wouldn’t be successful without our partnership with NEOFACS,” said Cremin, “and all the hard-working volunteers that put in countless amount of hours. Whether it be setting up, organizing; everything to what we’ve done today. And the community for coming out to support this great cause.”

The Christmas Angel Campaign provides necessities like food, clothing and gifts to children, youth and families throughout Northeastern Ontario. For the second year, Cochrane District EMS and CDSSAB collected donations for babies and infants. They received bottles, diapers, blankets, and hygiene items that will be distributed to families in the community that need assistance.

 

Filed under: Local News