The Fergus Lions Club and Reliable Motors 12th annual, month long toy drive was a huge success.
A huge decorated Christmas tree in the centre of the Reliable showroom was circled with toys for kids. Items include a portable basketball hoop, plush animals and toys, dolls, inline skates, and watches.
The Fergus Lions Club will deliver the gifts to the Centre Wellington Food Bank, which, in turn, will distribute the donated items to children in Centre Wellington.
The history of the event dates to 1997 when Ford Canada started a toy drive at Christmas for under privileged children. It was carried out in different towns at selected Ford dealerships.
Although it was to be a one year thing, the late John McCabe, owner of Reliable Ford along with his son, Greg, thought it was worthy of being an annual event in support of the Fergus Christmas hamper program run by the food bank. John McCabe was looking for a service club to partner with and the late Albert Ball, a charter member of the Fergus Lions Club, agreed on behalf of the Fergus Lions Club,to become partners with Reliable Ford.
That led to annual toy drives at Christmas, with Reliable Ford and the Fergus Lions Club supplying the food bank with the toys and cash collected along with cash donations of both partners.
Gary Waterhouse, of the Lions Club, said, “I have been chairman of the drive since taking over from Joe Brooks four years ago, and I find it one of the most satisfying parts of being a Lion.
Greg McCabe has been involved for some time but the loss of his father, John McCabe, some time ago strengthened his resolve to have the drive continue as he knows that would be John’s wish.”
The staff at Reliable Ford has also championed the event and all the employees are involved and take great pride in what their employer has started.
Waterhouse added, “It is a personal thing at this time of year and is apparent the moment you enter the dealership. Sherry [Woodruff], the receptionist for Reliable, is the mainstay of the toy drive and ensures the tree gets up in time and that all the toys are neatly arranged as they come in.
“She is the liaison between all the parties involved and is a delight to work with. Each year, the drive has been growing and reaching new heights of involvement and we have managed to stay ahead of the demand thanks to the generosity of the people in Centre Wellington and surrounding areas.”
