Country Club Centre is one of more than 30 drop-off locations for new, unwrapped toys for The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

significant need

‘The demand continues to grow:’ registration opens for annual Great Nanaimo Toy Drive

Nov 26, 2024 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Cost of living pressures ever-present and Nanamo’s growing population highlight the importance of an annual local tradition of giving.

Registration for the annual Great Nanaimo Toy Drive starts on Tuesday, Nov. 26, allowing parents and caregivers of children up to 17-years-old the opportunity to register online with pickup taking place on Dec. 19 and 20 at the former Dufferin Elementary School gym.

Janet Mirau, chair of the effort which has taken place for more than four decades, said this is an invaluable service to so many people.

“We know about the joy that we’re giving to these families, this is something that is important to people at this time of year. Families are so appreciative of the generosity of the community of Nanaimo who always comes through,” Mirau told NanaimoNewsNOW.

With more than 30 donation depots available around Nanaimo, people are asked to kindly donate new, unwrapped toys in-person, while financial contributions can also be made online to help organizers fill gaps in the types of items required.

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A comprehensive website with donation ideas and key information for registrants is available here.

Mirau said typically toys for infants and their older recipients encompass their highest demand clients.

She said a dedicated group of volunteers and generous donors team up to make miracles every winter holiday season.

“The relief that we see in these parents and guardians who come to us, our volunteers can’t say enough about how the experience gives back to them in the same way.”

Last year, Mirau noted more than 700 families and 1,500 children living between Lantzville and Cedar received gifts from Nanaimo Toy Drive.

Mirau has been involved with the cause for more than a decade.

“I can see every year incrementally it continues to grow. We’ve never had a year where it dropped off or remained the same. Every year the demand continues to grow.”

A similar toy drive serving the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region is ongoing with Society of Organized Services teaming up with Tigh-Na-Mara resort to generate new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and cash.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes