Throughout the month of December, GTAA Fire and Emergency Services staff held their annual food and toy drive to help families in need. Non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys were collected in donation bins placed throughout several buildings at Toronto Pearson.

The donation bins were delivered to Foodpath Mississauga and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation on December 22.

This year, the GTAA community has donated over $10,000 in toys to the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. With the help of the community, the foundation helps children and their families cope with pain, fear and isolation in a wide variety of ways, including entertainment, education and family activities.

“We were impressed with the organization and what they are able to do for the kids and their families. I would like to think that our generosity makes a difference in a child’s Christmas,” said GTAA firefighter Peter Morris, who has played a big part in organizing the drive for almost a decade.

The food donations weighed in at 2,000 lbs this year and were given to Foodpath Mississauga, the largest food bank in Mississauga. Foodpath distributes food to those less fortunate throughout the city of Mississauga. They assist various breakfast clubs, homeless shelters, abuse shelters, soup kitchens and help out approximately 4,500 people in the region each month.

“It’s great to be able to give back to the community, especially during the holidays. I would like to thank everyone that was able to donate to the food and toy drive. This year, GTAA employees have once again pulled together to make a difference and to support the community,” said Lloyd McCoomb, GTAA President and CEO.

The GTAA Fire and Emergency Services also wish to thank everyone for their generosity and in making the food and toy drive another successful endeavor this year. With the help of GTAA employees and our friends at Cara Airline Solutions, the holidays will be a little brighter for those less fortunate.

To get involved or to find out more about these great organizations, visit their websites at www.foodpath.org and www.starlightcanada.org.