The 16th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive collected thousands of toys as Santa’s helpers from communities across the Lower Mainland merrily made their way to the grand toy count in Richmond on Saturday. With families in the province still challenged by COVID and increasing inflation, there was an even greater need for toys over the holidays.  Over 100 people attended the grand toy count event to drop off toys and donations.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

RICHMOND – The 16th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive collected thousands of toys as Santa’s helpers from communities across the Lower Mainland merrily made their way to the grand toy count in Richmond on Saturday.  

With families in the province still challenged by COVID and increasing inflation, there was an even greater need for toys over the holidays.  Over 100 people attended the grand toy count event to drop off toys and donations.

The toy drive is donating toys to a record 18 good causes this year. The hope is to bring some joy to children and families in need this holiday season.  With the help of the Benevolent Brotherhood Society (BBS), the Ghirra family, The Co-operators Insurance agencies, Riverside Banquet Halls, Johnston Meier Insurance, Kids Play team and Vancity Credit Union, over 2500 toys were collected! 

In memory of the man with a golden heart, Victor was involved in many charitable initiatives, but one charity that Victor was really touched by was the BC Children’s Hospital.  

When they would ask, “Who are you and where are these toys from?”  Victor would simply reply, “It doesn’t matter who I am or where I am from, these toys are for the kids and that’s all you need to know.”

It was later found that Victor had made trips to the hospital for over a dozen years.  Victor was just being Victor, he didn’t tell anyone what he was up to.

Victor left a lasting impression on his colleagues, many of who still remember his charitable nature.  Moya Matick, Agency Office Manager with The Co-operators said: “When you reflect on the man whose memory the toy drive honours and learn just how kind he had been in life, it is not too difficult to understand how that memory energizes and motivates us to continue his legacy.  Each year, as word of the toy drive spreads, the success grows.  This year Co-operators Insurance staff in the Lower Mainland contributed $900 in cash donations and over 50 new toys to help   It is heartwarming to know that our efforts contribute to preserving a spirit of giving and care to those kids who need it most.” 

The 18 charities the Victor Ghirra toy drive was able to help this year include: BC Children’s Hospital, Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, Key Solutions, Richmond Christmas Fund, Options BC, Canuck Place, Nightshift Ministries – Care Centre, North Shore Family Services – Christmas Bureau, Second Stage Women’s Centre, Ray-Cam Community Centre, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Kids Play, Richmond Food Bank, two local schools with families in need, Recovery Kidz, Team Keian and for families on the downtown eastside.  More than 47,650-plus toys have been collected and distributed over the past 16 years in memory of Victor.

Harvey Kooner of BBS – founder of the toy drive, said: “This year the need was greater than ever, we heard that families needed more help and we were happy to step up. This year there will be hundreds of children who will receive a toy during the holidays thanks to Victor’s legacy.  This toy drive continues to grow thanks to all our partners and generous community donors of the past 16 years.”

The toy drive welcomed a new donor this year: Cedar Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Burnaby.  They saw the opportunity to give back through the toy drive and wanted to support a wonderful cause.  

For more information on how you can make get involved and make a difference with next year’s toy drive, contact Harvey Kooner at 604-671-4180 or harveykooner1@gmail.com.