The Richmond RCMP is once again stuffing the cruiser for the eighth annual Richmond Christmas Fund toy drive this Saturday.
Every year the Richmond RCMP detachment partners with Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), which runs the Christmas Fund program, to collect toys to help underprivileged families celebrate the winter holidays.
The dunk tank, which was brought out last year, is returning with several officials to be dunked on the toy collection day.
The public is encouraged to come by the toy drive and donate a new, unwrapped toy to stuff the RCMP cruiser or to make a monetary donation of $10 or more.
Visitors can expect mini donuts, a caricature artist, Coca Cola Christmas truck, CBSA dog unit, Santa and the RCMP safety bear on site.
"We feel that helping out with the charity it allows us to give back to the community that is in need, said Richmond RCMP Const. Sylvia Chan.
"We're hoping to bring a bit of holiday cheer to the community of Richmond."
Ed Gavsie, president of RCRG, said the program has been receiving inquiries about the Christmas Fund as early as August this year.
"We are averaging three inquiries a day and that is high," said Gavsie.
"We anticipate the need this year ... will be the highest for the Christmas Fund ever."
Gavsie added that they are looking at distributing between 11,000 to 12,000 toys on top of grocery and gift vouchers to families.
The toy drive will take place at the Lansdowne Centre parking lot on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
