Over 200 people attended 18th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive at Riverside Palace Banquet Hall in Richmond on Sunday to drop off toys, gift cards and cash donations. The toy drive event is organized every year in memory of the man with a golden heart: Victor Ghirra. The toy drive is donating toys to 24 different causes this year.
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, over 3,000+ toys were collected!
Bobby Ghirra, Victor’s older brother said: “This toy drive is in honor of my brother who we miss greatly. We think he would be proud of us carrying on his giving legacy. 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.”
Harvey Kooner of BBS – founder of the toy drive, said: “It’s been a tough year for families and affording a happy holiday isn’t always feasible when there are so many financial challenges. Our committee, volunteers, generous groups and donors came together once again to show that there are people who care. 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.”
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’s Hospital to children that needed them.
“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 $2100 in cash and 200+ toys and gift cards to contribute to that toy count and we can’t wait to get started on 2025,” said: Moya Matick Agency Office Manager Co-operators.
Richmond Sunrise Rotary group has been supporting Victor’s toy drive for 10 years. The group has made $5,500 in donations and toys. Debbie Tablotney, Project Chair; Richmond Sunrise Rotary: “One of the main purposes of Rotary is to support our community both globally and locally. Rotarians want to make life better for those in need especially at this time of year. 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. Dr. Dhillon took his children shopping explaining to them that the toys they were purchasing were not for them but for kids who may not get toys this Christmas. Dr. Dhillon said: “My family and I have been blessed for our hard work and want to give back to people that can use a little help. 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 good 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, 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 & Abbotsford. More than 53,250+ toys have been collected and distributed over the past 18 years in memory of Victor.
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].
