City of Toronto receives generous Holiday donation of nearly 5,000 toys for children in vulnerable communities

Today, Mayor John Tory announced a donation of nearly 5,000 children’s toys with an estimated value of $61,000 from Spin Master Ltd., an international toy company. The toys will be distributed to families with children in vulnerable communities across the city throughout the holiday season.

The City of Toronto worked with Spin Master Ltd. to secure the donation in time for the holidays. The toys will now be distributed to families and children in need throughout Toronto, with a focus on the City’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs). Distribution of the gifts will start at City Investing in Families Holiday Drive events. These events support low-income families through the City’s community centres, and will be scheduled in conjunction with community agencies.

The toys will also be included in holiday gift baskets given to families who participate in the City’s Youth Enhance Program Spaces. Some of the toys will also be given to agencies serving newcomers to Toronto.

“We know that the holidays can be a difficult time for many families including low-income and newcomer families, and this donation will go a long way to bring joy to children and youth across our city. I want to thank Spin Master for their very generous donation of nearly 5,000 toys, worth $61,000, to support vulnerable families and bring some cheer and smiles to children’s faces this upcoming holiday season. It is generous acts like this that represent the best of our city,” said Mayor John Tory.

Since the estimated value of this donation exceeds the $50,000 threshold for donation acceptance under the Donations to the City of Toronto for Community Benefits Policy, City Council approval is required to accept the donation. A report about this donation was presented at the Executive Committee today and is available on the City website.

“Spin Master has a long-standing legacy of supporting the most vulnerable – especially during the holiday season. We are grateful for the opportunity to donate so many of our toys to give Toronto children and families in need the opportunity to grow, learn and explore through play,” said Tammy Smitham, Vice-president, Communications and Corporate Citizenship. Spin Master We look forward to working with the City of Toronto in the future to continue to support vulnerable families and to help them create magical play experiences together,” added Smitham.

The City, through the Strategic Partnerships office, plays a key role in facilitating civic philanthropy, including by advertising and accepting donations through the DonateTO portal and by working with large private donors to facilitate their donations to the City.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City, through DonateTO, has managed more than $35 million in donations of food, goods, services and funds, connecting donors to programs where their gifts make a difference.

Donations to City and community partner programs can be made through the City’s official giving portal, DonateTO webpage: www.toronto.ca/donateTO.

photo by Kira auf der Heide

SOURCE City of Toronto

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