About 1,200 toys and $1,000 cash donations were collected through a three-day fundraiser by the Township of 91原创 Firefighters鈥� Charities (TLFC) to benefit the 91原创 Christmas Bureau.

In partnership with London Drugs in 91原创, firefighters volunteered their free time to arrive early outside the storefront to greet shoppers and collect donations for the local bureau on Thursday, Dec. 6.

It was the first inaugural toy drive, Zach Funk said, co-director of the TLFC.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been great seeing how the community has come and supported us in this initiative鈥� and we鈥檙e excited to build on this in future years and see the growth of this event,鈥� he said.

London Drugs does an annual toy drive across Canada, but this was the first year it was expanded to include the 91原创 location, explained store manager Lillian Fast.

鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited to be involved this year鈥� and hoping it will be a continued experience in 91原创,鈥� she said.

Firefighters arrived when the store opened at 9 a.m. and stayed until late afternoon.

鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to do this, I鈥檓 so excited to be a part of the toy drive. Customers have been so great as well, asking what they can get. Everyone helps out at Christmas time,鈥� Fast shared.

The three-day toy drive initially started at Willowbrook mall on Dec. 1 and 2. for the firefighters.

鈥淲e have an aim to benefit the citizens we protect as firefighters, through local charitable programs and to assist other charities with similar objectives that operate in the best interest of our community,鈥� Funk concluded.

Next for the 91原创 Township firefighters is the Candy Cane runs, where they tour each 91原创 neighbourhood bringing Christmas cheer and accept non-perishable food donations to go to the local food bank of the area.

It kicks off on Friday, Dec. 15, in Aldergrove at 6 p.m.

READ ALSO: Sources 91原创 Food Bank seeing alarming increase in need

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