With Christmas just around the corner, the Burnaby Christmas Bureau is in need of toys for teens and toddlers.
Stephen D’Souza, executive director of Burnaby Community Services, told the NOW toy donations are down by 25 per cent this year, specifically in those two categories.
“I think maybe we’re a victim of our own marketing,” he said. “We talk a lot about how we get a lot of items for the toddlers, and this year, it seems really down. I think people have been getting the message … but maybe we spread that message too wide.”
D’Souza added people are really drawn to buying for babies and don’t necessarily think of the one- to three-year-old age group.
“They think of the five-year-olds and toys start getting really fun; they start looking at some of the movies that are out, so I think people really think about those ages a lot more,” he said.
As for cash donations, D’Souza noted $71,000 has been raised so far. The goal is to reach $120,000. He said there are still a few major donations to come in, including Metropolis at Metrotown’s photos with Santa program, which brought in more than $51,000 for the bureau last year. The mall is looking to raise $55,000 this season.
Given the decrease in toy donations, staff will be using some of the cash donations to beef up the toy room, D’Souza said.
So far, 750 families have registered for the Christmas Bureau toy room (on par with last year), which officially opened its doors on Dec. 14.
“It’s been a bit of a crazy morning as it’s always been on the first day,” said D’Souza. “We’ve also had the added issues around the weather as well; families who weren’t able to get in to register are coming in now to register. We’re trying to get everyone in as quickly as we can, but it’s going well.”
The executive director added it’s the “little drives” that make the Christmas Bureau happen – everything from Burnaby business Hemlock Printers donating proceeds from its gingerbread house sale to elementary school children organizing toy drives.
“It’s not a campaign that’s driven by big donors. It’s a campaign that’s supported by really a good proportion of the community who are giving what they can,” he said.
Children and families aren’t the only ones being helped by the Christmas Bureau. The bureau’s seniors’ sponsorship program is looking to help 250 seniors by the end of the year (there are currently 225 registered), by matching them with donors who are willing to buy requested food and gifts for Christmas.
“We know that number is only a fraction of those who need it and so we’re really trying to continue to use our networks,” said D’Souza.
In 2015, the bureau helped 3,574 people, including 1,931 children, 106 seniors and 33 individuals who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.
To donate, stop by the bureau’s toy room from now until Dec. 23, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s at 7252 Kingsway.
