KINDHEARTED community members from across the Lower Mainland made their way to the grand toy count at Riverside Palace Banquet Hall in Richmond on Sunday for the 19th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive. Over 150 people came to share in the holiday spirit, bringing new, unwrapped toys and gift cards to help families in need.
This toy drive is in memory of the man with a golden heart: Victor Ghirra. The family friendly holiday event included plenty of Christmas cheer, treats and special guests: Santa, Mrs. Claus and even the Grinch. The special guests welcomed families as they dropped off toys and invited them to take photos for a cherished memory.
Victor’s toy drive is donating toys to 18 good causes this year. The Victor Ghirra toy drive committee hopes all of these toys help families who are having a tough year. With the help of the Benevolent Brotherhood Society (BBS), the Ghirra family, Co-operators Insurance agencies, Riverside Banquet Halls and Richmond Sunrise Rotary Group, over 2,000-plus toys were collected.
The toy drive is dedicated to bringing happiness to children during the holidays. Ethan Ghirra, Victor’s nephew, said: “I am deeply proud of how far our toy drive committee has come. Together, we have provided more than 50,000 toys to children and families in need—a remarkable achievement that reflects the power of community and compassion. This initiative holds special meaning for me because it honors my Uncle Victor, a man remembered for his kindness and humility.”
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 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.
Even 19 years later Victor is still remembered by his co-workers and friends. “2025 marked another successful year of support from Cooperators Insurance for the 19th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive. Thanks to the generosity of friends and colleagues through toy and cash donations, we were able to bring joy to many families and make their holiday season brighter. This effort is especially meaningful given the financial challenges faced by so many this year. The Toy Drive continues to honor the memory of our dear friend and colleague, Victor Ghirra, and serves as a tribute to his lasting legacy. We look forward to continuing this cherished tradition in 2026 as we celebrate the man with the Golden Heart,” said Joe Casciano, Operations Supervisor, Co-operators.
For the past 11 years, the Richmond Sunrise Rotary group has been a proud supporter of the Victor Ghirra Toy Drive, continuing its tradition of generosity and community spirit. This year, the group contributed an incredible $5,500 in donations and toys, reaffirming their commitment to making a difference. Debbie Tablotney, Project Chair for Richmond Sunrise Rotary, said: “One of Rotary’s core purposes is to strengthen communities both locally and globally. At this time of year, we strive to bring comfort and happiness to those in need. The Ghirra Toy Drive—and the enduring spirit of Victor Ghirra—gives us the opportunity to spread joy to families in need.” This heartfelt effort is a beautiful reminder of how compassion and community can create lasting impact.
This toy drive is not possible without the support of groups and businesses in the community. Dr. Harpreet Dhillon once again supported the toy drive to uplift those in need. One of Victor’s good friends has been supporting the toy drive through printing brochures and posters. There were many groups and individuals that stepped up wanting to make a difference together.
The 18 good causes the Victor Ghirra toy drive was able to help this year include: BC Children’s Hospital, Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, 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, Team Keian, Richmond Food Bank, Philippines – children in need, 1UP Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre’s emergency hampers, Vernon Santas Anonymous, downtown eastside Vancouver families in need and local elementary schools in Richmond. Also, this year after hearing about families affected by the fires at a Steveston apartment building in Richmond the toy drive stepped up to complete a wish list for those looking for some holiday support. More than 55,250-plus toys have been collected and distributed over the past 19 years in memory of Victor.
Harvey Kooner of BBS – founder of the toy drive, said: “This holiday season reminds us how powerful kindness can be. For many families, creating a joyful celebration is difficult when financial challenges loom. That’s why the dedication of our committee, volunteers, donors, and community partners means so much. Together, we’ve made a real difference—bringing hope, happiness, and holiday cheer through a successful toy drive that supported 18 meaningful causes. Connecting with donors and groups inspired to give is truly heartwarming. Their generosity reflects the true spirit of the season: compassion, community, and care. What began with Victor’s vision continues today as a legacy of giving that lights up lives. As we celebrate this season of joy, we look forward to carrying this spirit into the new year.”
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.
Write-up and photos submitted
