Kicking off the 29th annual Toy Drive for Needy Kids
On November 13, the Waterloo Knights of Columbus Council 5135 proudly launched the 29th Annual Toy Drive for Needy Kids at the Columbus Conference Center. What began nearly three decades ago as a small community effort has grown into one of Waterloo Region’s most impactful charitable traditions—one powered entirely by volunteers, local partners, and the generosity of our neighbours.
A year-round mission
The Toy Drive operates 365 days a year, ensuring that families in need across Waterloo Region receive support beyond the holiday season. This continuous work helps us serve over 35 agencies, each dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families.
Our shared goal is simple and powerful:
Every child in Waterloo Region deserves a toy this Christmas.
As Acting Fire Chief Sandy Van Solm beautifully reminded us at the kickoff:
“No child in need is forgotten.”
Volunteers and partners who make it possible
The Toy Drive has always been a community-powered mission, and this year’s kickoff highlighted some of the remarkable people and organizations who make it happen.
Ian Falls – transportation coordinator
The logistical backbone of the Toy Drive is longtime volunteer Ian Falls, who keeps toys moving across the region. Ian’s involvement began about 13 years ago—when one man, relaxing over a beer at Morty’s, sparked an idea to help. That idea led Swan Dust Control to donate a big truck for the Toy Drive’s growing operations, and the partnership has continued ever since.
First responders: steadfast champions
Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo Regional Police, and their auxiliaries continue to play an essential role. Notably:
• Stuff a Cruiser events return on December 6 and December 13–14, collecting thousands of toys with support from the Auxiliary team.
• Between 10,000 and 12,000 toys are typically gathered through these incredible police and fire-supported initiatives.
Media and sports supporters
Local media and sports organizations once again stepped forward in a big way:
• Rogers TV, led by Carla Fitzsimmons, continues as our premier sponsor, helping spread awareness throughout the region.
• The Kitchener Rangers will host a Toy Drive collection game.
• The Waterloo Siskins will collect toys at their home games on November 23 and November 30.
The Noteworthy Singers – spreading joy through music
The Noteworthy Singers, a talented senior choir (ages 55+) from Knox Presbyterian Church, have become an extraordinary partner. At their very first performance at the Columbus Conference Center years ago, they collected 82 toys and $605. Since then, they’ve routinely raised around $7,000 each year, including an incredible $10,000–$12,000 per year during COVID. Their two concerts—Christmas and Spring—remain major sources of Toy Drive support.
Donations from supporters
During the kickoff, we received donations from:
- The Galaxie Club
- The Shriners
- The Sportsmen League
As we often say during this season:
Share the joy—be a toy.
With your help, we can make sure every child in Waterloo Region feels remembered, valued, and loved this Christmas.
