A local organization is looking to put smiles on the faces of local children this holiday season.
“I started A Child’s Smile 34 years ago,” said founder John Gray. “I was at a dealership in Toronto and heard about a toy mountain on the radio, and we donated 25 toys, and we have never stopped and it's grown and grown.”
A Child’s Smile raises funds around the holiday season to purchase toys for less fortunate children in Stratford, St. Marys, London and the Mikinakoos Children's Fund in Thunder Bay which supports Indigenous children.
Last year the local organization put a smile on 700 children on Christmas morning. To date over 22,000 children have been supported over the 34 years. This year's target is $10,000, which aims to help a similar number of children this year.
“The donations will help us purchase a heck of a lot of toys,” said Gray. “We get our toys from a warehouse in Markham, so we pretty much pay the cost, and they have supported us for 34 years.”
A Child’s Smile is holding a fundraiser on November 3 at Revival House, with admission being free.
“There will be some specials on food, with some money coming back to us,” said Gray. “There will also be a silent auction, and two different bands playing, it should be a good time.”
If anyone is looking for more information click here, or to donate directly you can send an e-transfer to [email protected]
