“For many years, Christmas has made me feel lacking as a mom. I will be the first to say that the joy in a child's eyes when they open a fun toy or craft doesn't compare to a pack of socks,” said Holly (name has been changed to maintain confidentiality).
Since learning about the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, Holly feels a sense of relief knowing she can provide special gifts regardless of her financial circumstances.
For the past 15 Christmases, Tigh-Na-Mara has hosted the Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive. This event has collected more than 20,000 toys and $150,000 in cash and gift cards for the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program.
Last year was record-setting, with 2,527 toys donated, $23,266 in cash and cheques, $6,050 in gift cards, and an RBC community grant of $1,500. Plus, Tigh-Na-Mara staff donated 33 bikes through their Bikes for Tykes Program, where employees sign up for payroll deductions to put towards bikes for children and youth.
“We hope to at least match those numbers again this year, if not surpass them,” said Jim Hykaway, general manager at Tigh-Na-Mara.
The Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive will take place on Wednesday, December 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Walbran Ballroom, where staff expect to serve approximately 1,000 buffet breakfasts.
For those who can’t make it to the Toy Drive breakfast but still want to participate, a drive-through option will be available outside the main entrance. Participants can drop off their donation and receive a coffee and muffin to-go from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
There will also be a pre-event option at Cedar’s Restaurant (Monday to Friday, Nov. 18 to Nov. 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). Guests who bring a new, unwrapped gift, gift card, or financial donation will receive a complimentary breakfast.
“This is a great option for guests who can’t attend the main event or prefer to avoid the big crowds,” said Hykaway.
All the donated gifts are taken to the SOS Toy Shop, where they are sorted by age group and organized on the shelves. Families and grandparents are given personal shopping appointments, and volunteer Elves assist them in finding the perfect gift.
Hykaway has toured the SOS Toy Shop with his team and said, “I love how personal and dignified the approach is. It’s a very impactful experience.”
Many families in District 69 are struggling this year due to inflation and rising costs. Hykaway hopes the community will come out in full support again.
Holly shares this hope, adding that “the only things kids should be concerned about over the holidays are finishing their homework and making sure they’re on Santa’s good list.”
“I don’t think many people who donate each year truly understand what it means to me and others in my position,” she said. “You’re donating not just toys; it’s normalcy, happiness, and childlike wonder. For that, I don’t have the words to express my gratitude.”
One of Holly’s favourite Christmas memories is when her son opened a new bicycle, something she wouldn’t have been able to afford without the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program and the Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive.
“Every single day this summer, I watched him ride with unabashed happiness,” said Holly. “This is further proof that the Christmas program helps families in ways that far outlast the Christmas season.”
For more information on SOS Caring for Community at Christmas, please visit www.sosd69.com.
