Toy Mountain grows as Ottawa firefighters drop off thousands of toys
As the need this year continues to grow, so does the mountain of toys at Toy Mountain headquarters.
On Wednesday morning, the Ottawa Professional Firefighters' Association dropped off thousands of toys collected from the Help Santa Toy Parade and Santa's Parade of Lights in Orléans.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
"There was some concern this year that we might be a little bit down, but the city of Ottawa, as always, pulls it together and we were actually able to match last year's contributions," said chair of the Help Santa Toy Parade, Cameron Taylor.
CTV and MOVE 100 support the Toy Mountain campaign, with volunteers on hand helping collect and sort.
It was quite the sight as an assembly line of toys made its way from the wagon to headquarters, with a few familiar faces sorting bags of presents.
"A number of our players' wives and staff are helping with toys and we are collecting toys for Toy Mountain in our last game and our next two games," said Jacqueline Belsito, Senators Community Foundation president.
The Ottawa Professional Firefighters' Association dropped off thousands of toys for Toy Mountain on Wed. Dec. 6, 2023 (Katelyn Wilson/ CTV News).
Volunteers like Wally Istchenko are helping bring the magic of Christmas to more than 27,000 children, putting presents under the tree for those in need.
"You really see the smile, the joy and the appreciation, which makes it real easy to be there and put in the time," said Istchenko.
'Tis the season for giving and with the cost of living increasing, it means toys and financial donations are needed now more than ever.
"We are in need of toys specifically for babies and for the older age demographic, which is 11- and 12-year-olds; that would be hugely beneficial for us," said captain with the Salvation Army, Laura Van Schaick.
There is still plenty of time to donate, visit CTVNewsOttawa.ca or toymountain.ca for all the drop-off locations up until Dec. 23.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6973608.1721691615!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
2nd woman found dead in English Bay: Vancouver police
For the second time in as many days, a woman's body was found near Vancouver's shoreline Monday.
2 Albertans accused of threatening to kill Trudeau, Freeland, Singh
Men from Edmonton and Calgary are accused of threatening to kill some of Canada's top government leaders.
Athletes show off stylish and expensive team clothing for the 2024 Olympic Games
Canadian athletes attempting to reach the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will also be looking fashionable for the entire world to see.
Harris has support of enough Democratic delegates to become party's presidential nominee: AP survey
Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey taken in the aftermath of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his bid for re-election.
Four suicides in New Zealand linked to Ontario's Kenneth Law
New Zealand's coroner has ruled that four of its citizens died after ordering products from an Ontario man who is facing murder charges for selling poisonous substances.
Toronto woman charged with voyeurism after taking 'intimate' photos during massage: police
A Toronto woman who allegedly took 'intimate' photos of an individual who was getting a massage has been charged with voyeurism, police say.
IN PICTURES Here's what Calgary's new event centre 'Scotia Place' will look like
The name of Calgary’s new event centre was unveiled on Monday. The arena will be called Scotia Place.
Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed
If you're trying to get up to speed on Vice President Kamala Harris' swift emergence as Democrats' possible nominee this fall, you really need to know your memes.
These are the four leading vice-presidential picks for Kamala Harris' campaign
No one knows the importance of selecting the right running mate better than Vice President Kamala Harris.