Downtown London brimmed with generosity on Thursday as Corus Radio London held another record-breaking Drive-Thru Toy Drive.
A final tally revealed more than $39,000 was raised in donations for the Salvation Army.
The toy drive aims to support the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper program, which began distributing food, grocery store gift cards and toys to families in need on Monday.
The toy drive was held at the Delta Armouries Hotel on Dundas St. and saw an array of cash, toys and all other donations for the Salvation Army pour in through the hotel’s lobby.
The toy drive began a decade ago on the Taz Show on FM96, before later growing to encompass Global News Radio 980 CFPL, Country 104 and 103.1 Fresh Radio.
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“We wanted an easy way collect toys from people. Everyone is busy in the morning, so to be able to pull up and drop a toy off we thought was a great idea,” Taz said.
“We were overwhelmed from the get-go with the generosity of our listeners.”
Along with Taz, another staple of the toy drive has been someone not often heard on the airwaves.
Emma Cripps made her way to the Delta Armouries to help out with the event in what marked the 14-year-old’s tenth year with the toy drive.
Since then, the young helper has returned to the charity event with toys that are suited to her age group in hopes of leaving those in need with the best gifts possible.
Those who missed the toy drive are still able to drop off donations for the Christmas Hamper Program at the Western Fair Agriplex.
Last year’s Drive-Thru Toy Drive reeled in $29,000, a previous record that was smashed on Thursday.