More than 4,600 pounds of toys and over $29,000 were donated to the annual RCMP toy drive at Lansdowne Centre this past Saturday, according to Richmond RCMP's post on social media platform X.
It was a busy Saturday morning at the mall parking lot as community members arrived with their toy and monetary donations.
Undeterred by the cold, young Richmondites were seen eagerly handing new toys to volunteers and enjoying heartwarming and family-friendly activities.
Some were locked up in jail, but only temporarily, for a donation to the Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) Christmas Fund, which helps underprivileged families celebrate the winter holidays.
Others posed for a photo with Santa Claus and snacked on mini donuts, given to those who either donated a new, unwrapped toy or made a monetary donation of $10 or more.
Community members also enjoyed meeting volunteers from local organizations including Richmond Fire-Rescue and the Richmond Public Library. They also browsed through Christmas angels made by Ava Koldenhof, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Christmas Fund.
RCRG and Richmond RCMP expect the number of people in need to increase this year due to rising living costs. In fact, a long lineup was seen at Lansdowne Centre for the first day of registration for the Christmas Fund.
- With files from Valerie Leung.
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