Toys for the North, a national toy collection and distribution charity that distributes toys to some of Canada’s most northern communities, is thrilled to announce that this year’s donated toys value more than $470,000, a 170% increase over 2021, an 840% increase in toys collected since 2019, and a record-breaking amount of toys collected in a single season.
Toys for the North is 100% volunteer-run, and is a partnership between distribution logistics management company Thomson Terminals, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ‘O Division’, and the Canadian Toy Association. The program collects and distributes much-needed children’s toys to families in Canada’s most northern communities, supporting Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut and this year thanks to the volume of toys donated, it has expanded its reach to include communities in the Northwest Territories.
“We are extremely grateful for the generous donations provided by Canada’s toy manufacturers,” said Andrew Wagar, Chair, Marketing and Communications, Canadian Toy Association. “Every year since Toys for the North launched in 2010, Canada’s toy manufacturers have increased their support for this program, allowing us to expand our reach and distribution and to support more and more families. No one understands the joy a toy brings to a child during the holiday season better than toy industry professionals, and we thank them for their continued support.”
More toys were donated this year by toy companies than in any previous year, and in particular the CTA would like to recognize the following companies for their generous support:
Spin Master Ltd.
Munch Baby Inc.
Ravensburger North America
Jakks Pacific
MGA Entertainment
Dogree Fashions
LEGO Canada
Hasbro Canada
Funrise Canada
Playmobil Canada Inc.
Mattel Canada Inc.
FujiFilm Canada Inc.
Great Pretenders
Crayola
Asmodee Canada
Suncoat Products Inc.
Lion Rampant Imports
TCG Toys
On the Right Track
Gray and Fick Ltd.
Mastermind Toys
Lykit Ltd.
“I am blown away by the generosity of not only the Toy Industry but also by individuals who donate their time and resources to provide toys, handmade items, personalized hygiene packs and snowsuits for children across the North whom they will never meet.” said Cpl. Angelique Dignard, RCMP Toys for the North coordinator. “This generosity and kindness is what fuels the spirit of Christmas. Thank you for caring and for making a difference in so many children’s lives. Please know that this program could not grow and reach so many hearts without your support.”
“As one of the founding partners of the Toys for the North, this program is especially near and dear to my heart,” says Jim Thomson, Owner and President, Thomson Terminals. “It brings me great joy to see how much it has grown, the support it receives, and the positive impact it brings to Canada’s North. Every child deserves a toy at Christmas and I am proud of the role Thomson Terminals – and all our staff – play in making this incredible program happen year after year.”
The Toys for the North Campaign has distributed over $1,500,000 worth of toys to children and families in need in Canada’s north since 2010.
The collected toys are sorted and wrapped by RCMP and Toy Industry volunteers, stored at Thomson Terminals, loaded onto a tractor trailer truck, and shipped to Canadian Forces Base Trenton (CFB Trenton). From there, they are loaded onto Hercules aircraft and flown to Canadian Air Force bases across Canada’s North.
Toys for the North major partners and stakeholders:
● Canadian Toy Association
● Thomson Terminals
● Royal Canadian Mounted Police
● RCMP Veterans’ Association
● Canadian Forces 8 Wing CFB Trenton
To get the collected toys to their final destination, the Thunder Bay RCMP partner with:
● North Star Air Ltd.
● Gardewine
Founded in 1932, CTA is a not-for-profit trade Association whose members are manufacturers, importers, distributors, and marketers of toys, games, seasonal and hobby products. CTA provides a strong voice for the $2.3 billion toy industry in Canada and internationally. Through the Association, CTA’s members work together for the betterment of the industry. For more information, please visit www.canadiantoyassociation.ca.
Thomson offers innovative solutions in warehousing, transportation, design build and consulting. Trust is the base on which our solutions are built. We earn our clients’ trust by putting their needs ahead of our own. Thomson is an asset based, full service logistics provider.