GENEROUS donors from across Metro Vancouver came together for a grand toy count at Riverside Palace Banquet Hall in Richmond on Sunday for the 18th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive. With the cost of living and goods at an all time high, families face more financial challenges during the holiday season creating more need for support this time of year. There were over 200 people at the grand toy count event to share in holiday cheer and give back to the community by dropping off toys, gift cards and cash donations.
The toy drive event in memory of the man with a golden heart — Victor Ghirra — had a family friendly winter holidays theme with Christmas music, treats and appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. The trio welcomed guests as they dropped off toys, with many staying to mingle and take memorable photos.
The toy drive is donating toys to 24 good causes this year. The Victor Ghirra toy drive committee hopes the donation of toys bring some happiness and joy to families who need support this time of year. With the help of the Benevolent Brotherhood Society (BBS), the Ghirra family, Co-operators Insurance agencies, Riverside Banquet Halls, Richmond Sunrise Rotary Group and the Kids Play team, over 3,000 toys were collected.
The toy drive is devoted to making holidays brighter for thousands of boys and girls. Bobby Ghirra, Victor’s older brother, said: “This toy drive is in honour of my brother who we miss greatly. We think he would be proud of us carrying on his giving legacy. It means a lot to me and my family that everyone gives from the heart to make this happen – it’s heartwarming to see everyone remember my brother.”
Victor was involved in many philanthropic initiatives, but one good cause that Victor was really touched by was the BC Children’s Hospital. A heartwarming story that depicts Victor’s character was when he bought thousands of dollars worth of toys every Christmas and donated them to Children’s Hospital to children that needed them. When they would ask, “Who are you and where are these toys from?” Victor would simply reply, “It doesn’t matter who I am or where I am from, these toys are for the kids and that’s all you need to know.”
It was later found that Victor had made trips to the hospital for over a dozen years. Victor was just being Victor, he didn’t tell anyone what he was up to.
It’s truly remarkable that 18 years later Victor is still remembered fondly by the friends and colleagues he worked with. “It’s hard to believe we’re 18 years into this Toy Drive and we can still get excited when we see all the donations come pouring in. I believe that was Victor‘s gift to us. By celebrating the man, we get to experience how it feels to bring a little joy during the holiday season and witness his spirit of giving being continued as that tree mountain keeps expanding, our reach extends worldwide and his legacy continues to grow. This year myself, Joe Casciano and Co-operators Insurance raised over $2,100 in cash and 200-plus toys and gift cards to contribute to that toy count and we can’t wait to get started on 2025,” said Moya Matick, Agency Office Manager, The Co-operators.
Richmond Sunrise Rotary group has been supporting Victor’s toy drive for 10 years. The group of amazing individuals wanting to give back to the community once again stepped up with $5,500 in donations and toys. The group continued their tradition of ‘toy stories’ where they purchased gifts for the toy drive with meaning behind them and significant to their childhood. Debbie Tablotney, Project Chair, Richmond Sunrise Rotary, said: “One of the main purposes of Rotary is to support our community both globally and locally. Rotarians want to make life better for those in need especially at this time of year. The Ghirra Toy Drive and the spirit of Victor Ghirra himself gives our members the opportunity to bring joy to young people and their families.”
Dr. Harpreet Dhillon, owner of Dentist on Kingsway office, who has supported the toy drive for many years, decided to teach his children about giving while donating $2,000 in toys. Dr. Dhillon took his children shopping explaining to them that the toys they were purchasing were not for them but for kids who may not get toys this Christmas. Dr. Dhillon said: “My family and I have been blessed for our hard work and want to give back to people that can use a little help. Giving back is an integral part of our upbringing and life principles and it’s important for my kids to see in action.”
The 24 good causes the Victor Ghirra toy drive was able to help this year include BC Children’s Hospital, Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, Key Solutions, Richmond Christmas Fund, Options BC, Canuck Place, Nightshift Ministries – Care Centre, North Shore Family Services – Christmas Bureau, Surrey Christmas Bureau, Kids Play, Richmond Food Bank, Recovery Kidz, Team Keian, Richmond Food Bank, Philippines – children in need, 1UP Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre’s emergency hampers, Burnaby Christmas Bureau, two First Nations’ communities – family hampers, downtown eastside Vancouver families in need and local elementary schools in Richmond, Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford. More than 53,250 toys have been collected and distributed over the past 18 years in memory of Victor.
Harvey Kooner of BBS, founder of the toy drive, said: “It’s been a tough year for families and affording a happy holiday isn’t always feasible when there are so many financial challenges. Our committee, volunteers, generous groups and donors came together once again to show that there are people who care. It’s through a group of caring individuals coming together that we are able to achieve a successful toy drive and help 24 good causes. It’s truly heartwarming touching base with donors and groups who are inspired to give. It started with Victor and we are simply carrying on his giving ways.”
For more information on how you can get involved and make a difference with next year’s toy drive, contact Harvey Kooner at 604-671-4180 or harveykooner1@gmail.com.
(Article and photos submitted)
