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 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, more than 3,000 toys were collected this year.
The toy drive is donating toys to 24 good causes this year.
More than 200 people were at the grand toy count event to share in holiday cheer, give back to the community through dropping off toys, gift cards and cash donations.
The toy drive event, held in memory of Victor Ghirra, had a family-friendly winter holidays theme with Christmas music, treats and appearances from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.
The trio welcomed guests as they dropped off toys, with many staying to mingle and take photos.
Bobby Ghirra, Victor’s older brother, said his brother would be proud of how his legacy of giving is being carried forward.
“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,” said Bobby Ghirra.
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 at BC Children’s Hospital.
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 more than a dozen years. Victor was just being Victor, he didn’t tell anyone what he was up to.
It’s hard to believe it’s 18 years since the toy drive began, said Moya Matick, office manager with Co-operators.
“I believe that was Victor‘s gift to us,” Matick said.
“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+ toys and gift cards to contribute to that toy count and we can’t wait to get started on 2025.”
Richmond Sunrise Rotary group has also been supporting Victor’s toy drive for 10 years.
They once again stepped up this year 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 significance to their childhood.
Richmond Sunrise Rotary’s project chair Debbie Tablotney said one of the main purposes of Rotary is to support the community “both globally and locally.”
“Rotarians want to make life better for those in need especially at this time of year,” Tablotney said. “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.
Dhillon took his children shopping, explaining to them the toys they were purchasing were not for them but for kids who may not get toys this Christmas.
“My family and I have been blessed for our hard work and want to give back to people that can use a little help,” Dhillon said.
“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 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, the 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 it’s hard to afford a happy holiday with so many financial challenges.
“Our committee, volunteers, generous groups and donors came together once again to show that there are people who care,” Kooner said.
“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 [email protected].
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