91原创 Township firefighters return with a popular tradition 鈥� Candy Cane Runs 鈥� and have added additional holiday events starting this weekend.
Spearheading the holiday events is the Township of 91原创 Firefighters Charitable Society (TLFCS)
鈥淭he Candy Cane Runs will be collecting food for the Sources Food Bank,鈥� said Zach Funk, a TLFCS director. 鈥淲e will also be collecting cash donations that will be distributed to local charities. They will all be similar with music, firetrucks, and candy canes.鈥�
Walnut Grove has been doing Candy Cane Runs for years, as a festive group of firefighters and others toured the neighbourhood in various trucks and other vehicles to collect donations for charity.
Other halls have since joined in the tradition, putting their own spin on it.
The Aldergrove (hall 3) has a 6 p.m. start for its event on Friday, Dec. 15.
The run for Brookswood (hall 5) is on Saturday, Dec 16, and sees firefighters and friends out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Candy Cane Run for Walnut Grove (hall 8) starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 17.
Willoughby (hall 4) is doing things a bit differently for its event on Sunday, Dec 17. The public is invited to North Pole in 91原创, 2328 Wakefield Dr., for holiday fun. Santa arrives at 7 p.m.
The Fort 91原创 (hall 2) run is on Monday, Dec. 18, starting at 6 p.m.
The crew from Murrayville (hall 6) will tour the neighbourhood on Saturday, Dec 23, starting at 10 a.m.
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Head to the mall
Before the neighbourhood Candy Cane Runs, firefighters can be found at the first Santa鈥檚 Arrival Toy Drive Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. as part of Willowbrook Shopping Centre鈥檚 Very Merry Market.
鈥淥ur TLFCS truck will be on hand as a static display for the public to take pictures with,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淲e will be handing out various public education materials provided by our public safety and community risk division.鈥�
The holiday event is set to take place outdoors in the parking lot between Hudson鈥檚 Bay and Safeway). Participating will be the TLFCS and Big Brothers Big Sisters 91原创.
鈥淲e鈥檙e so excited to be bringing this fun and festive event to the community鈥� said Willowbrook marketing director Nicole Lotz. 鈥淭here is something for everyone, from the joy of train rides to unique artisan market finds. Plus, our partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of 91原创 and the (firefighters鈥� society) underscores our commitment to giving back to the community.鈥�
The market will include:
鈥� Train rides that weave through the festive event so little ones can take in the sights and sounds of the season. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of 91原创.
鈥� A tree farm that offers families the joy of choosing the perfect centerpiece for their holiday celebrations. Proceeds also go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of 91原创.
鈥� The Toy Drive hosted by the firefighters. People are asked to kindly bring a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to those in need over the holiday season. The donations go to the 91原创 Christmas Bureau.
鈥� An immersive snow globe that will surround people with snowflakes in a magical winter wonderland.
鈥� An artisan market featuring 18 local vendors with a diverse array of handmade treasures.
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Teaming up
The firefighters are taking part in a new initiative between London Drugs and various fire departments. The London Drugs Toy Drive will be on Wednesday, Dec. 6, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
鈥淭his event runs in conjunction with London Drugs鈥� partnership with other firefighter charitable societies, including VFRS (Vancouver) Toys for Kids and Surrey鈥檚 Toy Mountain programs,鈥� Funk explained. 鈥淲e will collect toy donations and monetary donations via boot and our Square point of sales.鈥�
The Public Safety and Community Risk Division members will also be on site with their support vehicle giving out important advice and public education materials, he added.
