'The need here is huge': Toy Mountain fundraiser returns to Greater Victoria
Santa is on his way to Uptown Shopping Centre this holiday season.
CFAX Santas Anonymous is teaming up with CTV News and Virgin Radio 107.3 for the annual Toy Mountain holiday fundraiser.
The fundraiser takes place at the shopping centre until Dec. 17. Participate by bringing new unwrapped toys or cash for donation.
Gifting age groups are infants 0-12 months, toddlers 1-4 years, children 5-10 years, and teens 11-17 years.
“The need here in Greater Victoria is huge," says Bell Media promotions coordinator Samantha Gill. "They are helping kids and families who may not get a Christmas this year."
There is more need than ever this year due to growing strain on the community from COVID-19.
Toy Mountain is looking for approximately 4,000 more gifts, 900 more food hampers, and 2,000 more gift cards before Christmas.
Popular gift ideas for each age group can be found here.
Donations can be dropped off at Uptown Shopping Centre seven days a week. Cash donations can also be made directly to CFAX Santa’s Anonymous online here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.