York police collecting toys, clothing, food for Holiday Heroes drive

In Newmarket, the campaign kicks off at Newmarket Soccer Club Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m., with a soccer game between York Regional Police and the club at 2 p.m.

newmarkettoday.ca
Nov. 14, 2023

York Regional Police member are launching their 27th annual Holiday Heroes campaign to support those less fortunate this holiday season.

Members of the public can participate by dropping off new, unwrapped toys, new children’s clothing, gift cards or monetary donations at any York Regional Police facility from Nov. 13 to Dec. 15:

#1 District Headquarters --- 429 Harry Walker Pkwy. S., Newmarket
#2 District Headquarters --- 171 Major Mackenzie Dr. W., Richmond Hill
#3 District Headquarters --- 3527 Baseline Rd., Sutton
#4 District Headquarters --- 2700 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan
#5 District Headquarters --- 8700 McCowan Rd., Markham
York Regional Police Headquarters --- 47 Don Hillock Dr., Aurora; between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

You can make an online donation at yrp.ca/hhdonate. Financial donations are used to buy groceries and other items that are desperately needed, but are not commonly donated during the drive, such as winter clothing, diapers and formula.

"The best part about the campaign is that 100 per cent of donations go directly back to those in need here in York Region," police said in a news release.

"Collaborative efforts with our community, along with our generous corporate partners, means we can provide holiday cheer to thousands of people who have registered for assistance through local Salvation Army programs and Victim Services of York Region."

The official campaign launch takes place at Vaughan Mills mall, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., on Monday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Official remarks from Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida and Vaughan Mills Mall marketing manager Elizabeth Khuu take place at 1 p.m., with musical entertainment to follow.

Several events at various locations will be held throughout the campaign accepting donations. The dates and locations can be found on the events calendar at yrp.ca/en/community/Events-Schedule.asp.

In Newmarket, the campaign kicks off at the Newmarket Soccer Club Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. A soccer game between York Regional Police and the Newmarket Soccer Club takes place at 2 p.m.

The Holiday Heroes campaign has been held every year since 1996, gathering monetary donations, new toys, new children’s clothing and food. Through the generosity of our community, including businesses, schools, organizations and community groups, the program has been able to help approximately 100,000 individuals and families in need.

"As always, we are grateful to our community, as we could never have achieved these significant and meaningful results without the generosity and support from the public," police said.

For more information, visit yrp.ca/holidayheroes or email holidayheroes@yrp.ca.