The spirit of giving was alive and well in east London, Ont., on Thursday as Corus Radio London returned for another record-breaking toy drive in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper program.
Once the final tally came in, it was revealed this year’s toy drive had reeled in $59, 488, smashing the previous record of $39,300 set in 2019.
The toy drive was accompanied by the 12 Hours of Hope Live Broadcast, with different versions on Global News Radio 980 CFPL, Country 104, FM96 and 103.1 Fresh Radio. Each broadcast featured an array of local interviews shedding light on what The Salvation Army does for the London community.
This year’s toy drive came with a virtual twist, allowing folks to donate money online.
Elsewhere, in-person donations were dropped off on-site at Silverwood Arena at 50 Sycamore St. throughout the duration of the 12 Hours of Hope Live Broadcast on Thursday.
An annual tradition for Corus Radio London, the toy drive first began more than a decade ago on what was then The Taz Show on FM96.
“We thought, ‘what’s a quick and easy way to get as many toy donations as possible for The Salvation Army (Christmas) Hamper program?'” Taz said.
“So we came up with the idea, let’s do a drive-thru toy drive… it was a huge success year after year.”
Taz adds that large donations have become an increasingly common occurrence throughout all the toy drives he’s attended.
“A trailer full of bicycles — we’ve had donated in the past; we have people in cars that roll the window down an inch and they’ll slide out a stack of $100 bills,” Taz said.
“It’s just astounding to see the generosity that exists in the listening area.”
Distribution for the Christmas Hamper program began last week and will go until Dec. 18.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army has swapped out providing boxes of food with providing gift cards to help cover food costs instead. However, bags of toys are still being handed out during the program.
John DeActis, executive director of The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, says registration for the program showed a significant uptick in demand.
“Last year was 4,500 (people who registered), we’re well over the 5,000 mark right now. For toys, last year I think it was about 6,500 and I think we’re well overlooking about 7,000 this year,” DeActis said.
“It has been very, very busy… we are running low on toys and the toy drive (on Thursday) could not come at a better time for us.”
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