The annual toy drives held by NorthwesTel and the Salvation Army has concluded and is sure to bring joy to many families this holiday season.
This year’s campaign saw the collection of approximately 500 donated toys from both the public and those who work with NorthwesTel.
“Our employees get a little competitive over what department can donate to most toys,” said Catherine Newsome, NorthwesTel’s spokesperson. “We kind of turn it into a rally for internal employees to get in the spirit of giving.”
The distribution of the toys is managed by the Salvation Army, which signs up families to participate in the program. Air Tindi also plays a role in making deliveries to communities across the territory.
“It’s a community effort and an important one that we take a lot of pride in participating in every year,” said Newsome.
In addition to the toy donations, NorthwesTel also donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army to extend the reach of the program.
Newsome noted that the turnout this year was comparable to previous years, with a slight increase in donations from Yellowknife.
“I think that for so many it’s a really magical time of the year but for others, it’s a really hard time of year,” said Newsome. “There are not too many degrees of separation from any Northerner and a team member. We‘re neighbours, we’re friends, we’re family members.”
Simultaneously, toys donations were received at the Salvation Army.
“Over 1,000 toys here at Salvation Army that have been donated, and the biggest donor of this year is NorthwesTel,” said Derek Pluchinski, program manager with Salvation Army. “We will be distributing the toys to the families with children that apply for a Christmas hamper this year.”
Pluchinski expressed his excitement about the event, saying it brings out the child in him.
”It’s thinking about the kids that these toys will be going to, maybe from less fortunate families, that it’s going to make their Christmas a little brighter this year,” he said.
Distribution of the toys families began last week and Air Tindi was planning to send Christmas hampers to Whati and Łutsel K’e.
Approximately 230 families had registered to receive toys this year.