Firefighters launch 14th Annual Community Food and Toy Drive

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Shelburne & District Firefighters Association has kicked off its 14th annual Toy and Food Drive fundraiser. 

Firefighters from the local department were out on Saturday (Nov. 18) at Foodland in Shelburne for their first public event, collecting donations of non-perishable food and toys for the drive. 

“We serve the community in times of trouble so it's only right that we give back to them; being able to help families through the Toy and Food Drive is huge for us,” said Capt. Mike Morrell, coordinator for the annual event. “This year, we expect it's going to be even tougher for families so we're hoping people will be able to dig deep and give what they can; every little big helps.”

Each year, firefighters from the Shelburne Fire Department collect new un-wrapped toys to give to Dufferin Children & Family Services (DCAFS) and non-perishable food donations for the Shelburne Food Bank, Shepherd's Cupboard. All donations made stay within the community. 

Morrell said last year, they were able to donate toys to a total of 400 families at DCAFS. 

“We try not to set goal except to try and do better than we did the year before. For us, it's more the reaction we get from the food bank when we drop off the food and the reaction we get from Dufferin Children & Family Services when they see the toys.” 

The Shelburne Food Bank has shared a list of some of their most needed items for this year: canned tuna and salmon, flour, cooking oil, cookies, cereal, peanut butter, laundry and dish detergent and pasta sauce. 

Donations will be collected until Dec. 16. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Shelburne Fire Hall, located at 114 O'Flynn St, on Thursday and Friday Nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Firefighters from the local department will also be holding collection events over the coming weeks including Nov. 25 at Giant Tiger, Dec. 9 at No Frills and Dec. 16 at Foodland.