Toronto Auxiliary Police kick off annual Christmas toy drive in Scarborough

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Scarborough’s special auxiliary police elves have been delivering Christmas presents for 27 years now.

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Carrie Malin, one of those special elves, was on hand at 42 Division substation on Milner Ave. â€" near Markham Rd. and Hwy. 401 â€" on Saturday surrounded by presents and there was even an appearance by Santa Claus.

When she served as an a Toronto Police Auxiliary sergeant 27 years ago, Malin was taken aback by a story in the media talking about how underprivileged children in parts of Scarborough would go without presents at Christmas.

“That story haunted me for days and I knew I needed to do something to help,” she said.

The next day Malin walked into Staff-Sgt Gary Ellis’ office and said she wanted to “make a difference” and he thought it was a brilliant idea.

“I asked if the Toronto Police Service could help distribute those toys to the families living in the hotels and motels along there Kingston Rd. strip,” Malin recalled. “And he backed the idea 100 percent.”

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When all was said and done, 750 toys were collected and dropped off to amazed and smiling kids.

She set out to make a difference and help bridge a gap between police and newcomers to Canada.

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Chief James Ramer, who was also at 42 Division on Saturday, said he understands the stresses surrounding the holiday season and some families struggling to make ends meet â€" especially with COVID being around close to two years.

“I understand some people are unfortunate and are going to struggle at this time of the year,” said Ramer. “And Christmas is such an important time of the year.”

Their goal this year is to distribute 3,000 or more new unwrapped toys to children throughout all three divisions in Scarborough.

Toys and cash donations can be dropped off at the division.

jboland@postmedia.com

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