Paramedic toy drive a success

County of Simcoe Paramedic Services wrapped up their fifth annual Christmas food and toy drive recently, by calling the event the most successful ever.

Since Nov. 10, paramedics have volunteered at special events across the county in order to collect toys and food for families in need.

This year, almost 4,000 toys, 97 boxes of food and more than $5,500 were donated at events and dropoff box locations set up at paramedic stations and the county's administration centre.

That brings the five-year donation total to 8,500 toys and $7,500.

This year's community partners included the Salvation Army, Children's Aid Society, Holy Martyrs of Japan, Coldwater United Church, Elmvale Food Bank, Wasaga Beach Food Bank and Wasaga Beach Kinnettes.

These community partners distribute the donated food and toys to families in need throughout the county.

"This year has been another tremendous success," said paramedic and event organizer Greg Sharp.

"Overall, 2007 has definitely been our best year ever and we have been overwhelmed by the tremendous response and generosity of our communities.

"Through their donations, county residents have really proven they care," said Sharp. "County paramedics have volunteered many hours to help make this a resounding success and other county staff has really been a tremendous boost and support, not only with their donations-in-kind, but also their financial contributions. A big thank you is owed to residents and staff."

The campaign was kicked off by an early collection of food and toys destined for the community of Kingfisher Lake. The county donated a decommissioned ambulance to the remote northern Ontario community. The ambulance will be making the trek across ice roads, once the winter freeze will support vehicles.

The donated ambulance will be carrying the food and toy donation to Kingfisher.

Building on the excitement of that event and the past years' successes, paramedics expanded the Christmas season drive to include food donations in 2007 and local communities responded.

"The food drive has been a great success and is something that we will continue in years to come," Sharp said.

Toy and cash donations were also significantly higher than in 2006. Paramedics volunteered their time to the annual drive, attending parades and organizing events outside select stores across the county.

"Volunteer work within the community is invaluable and we have made a huge difference in the lives of so many people just by giving a few hours of our time," said Sharp. "By attending these events, we not only raise awareness for charities that help people going through difficult times but we also raise awareness for the services we provide to county residents by meeting the public and answering questions."