NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
**************************
MIDHURST – Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of individuals and businesses throughout the community, the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services has collected 6,739 toys, 3,669 lbs of food, $20,350 in cash, and $3,305 in gift cards during the 19th annual Toy Drive.
“Thanks to our local residents, businesses and organizations, the community support for those in need this year has been inspiring,” said Warden George Cornell. “The giving spirit is alive and well in Simcoe County. Between the hard work and dedication of our County of Simcoe Paramedics who have volunteered their time to bring this campaign to life and the generosity of all those who have contributed this year, our 19th annual Toy Drive will once again be able to deliver a joy-filled holiday season for those who need it most.”
With this year’s totals, the Toy Drive has collected 94,263 toys, 46,442 lbs of food, and approximately $224,548 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County over the last 19 years.
“I am so proud of our Paramedics who continue to give their time and energy to help those in need and support residents who are going through tough times,” said Andrew Robert, Director and Chief, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. “COVID-19 is still posing a challenge in our communities, and our staff have once again adapted to the situation to allow our 19th annual Toy Drive to go ahead. Between virtual and in-person donations, County Paramedics have collected gifts that will support hundreds of local families. We are so very grateful to the generous people who have donated to us this year. A huge thank you also to all the staff who ran these events, as well as the students from the Paramedic programs at Georgian College and CTS Canadian Career College who participated. Thank you all for making this year’s Toy Drive such a success.”
All donations will be distributed to local children and families in need by charitable organizations working in partnership with County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. Some of the 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.
**************************
