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Veterans association collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids in need

'We don’t know how well off we are until we look at others and realize they don’t even have enough to put a Christmas dinner on the table," says toy drive co-ordinator
2021-11-23 NC Veterans Toy Drive
Mike Mihalus, co-ordinator of a local toy drive on behalf of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP), is hoping this year's drive will collect enough new, unwrapped toys to help at least 100 kids this Christmas.

Every kid deserves to feel special at Christmas.

That’s why Mike Mihalus is once again helping to co-ordinate a local toy drive on behalf of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP), which is currently collecting unwrapped toys for children in need.

The toys will be donated to the annual Toy Mountain on behalf of the Salvation Army.

“At this time of year, a kid and families need help at Christmas,” he told BarrieToday.

CAVUNP initiated a toy drive about four years ago to help bring a smile to kids at Christmas.

Last year, Mihalus said their initiative collected enough new, unwrapped toys to help approximately 50 local children.

This year, they’re hoping to collect enough toys for 100 kids, he added.

“We don’t know how well off we are until we look at others and realize they don’t even have enough to put a Christmas dinner on the table,” he said. “We want to help in our way to help improve the lives of some of the people (in our community)." 

Anyone interested in making a donation can drop a new, unwrapped toy off at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 at Cundles Road East and St. Vincent Street in Barrie.

If you’re unable to drop it off, Mihalus said he is more than happy to come pick it up  all you have to do is send him an email here.

He is aiming to have all donations collected by no later than Dec. 11, so that Peacekeepers can deliver the toys on behalf of all veterans to Toy Mountain on Dec. 15.


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About the Author: Nikki Cole

Nikki Cole has been a community issues reporter for BarrieToday since February, 2021
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