Meghan Celsie and Paul Rellinger at 2024 Toy Tour
A familiar holiday tradition in Peterborough is back for a second year, bringing toys and smiles to families across the city. The Oldies 96.7 and Freq 90.5 Toy Tour, presented by Focus Flooring Centre, will hit three retail locations on Saturday before culminating at the Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade where donations will also be collected along the route.
The event kicks off at Canadian Tire on Lansdowne from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a downtown stop at The Toy Shop on Charlotte Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then wrapping up at Canadian Tire on Chemong Road from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. At each stop, donations for the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal will be collected, helping local families during a challenging holiday season.
The idea for the tour grew from years of supporting local not-for-profits and observing the success of community-focused events. Rather than holding a single event, the team wanted to reach multiple locations, allowing for donations to be collected throughout the entire city.
Last year’s first Toy Tour proved overwhelmingly successful, filling truck trailers with toys that went a long way in supporting local families. With such a strong start, the team knew they had to expand the effort this year.
Dueck emphasized that local partnerships play a key role in the event. Both Canadian Tire locations have been longtime supporters, each participating in the 2024 Toy Tour, while The Toy Shop was added this year. He says having them on board just made sense.
Behind the scenes, a network of sponsors and volunteers helps keep the event running smoothly. Focus Flooring Centre is the title sponsor, and other businesses support various aspects, from location sponsorship to social media and cash collections.
Events like this also highlight what makes Peterborough unique — a city where residents are willing to step up and help without hesitation.
Dueck says the generosity in this area is unmatched and the Toy Tour is a reminder of the power of community, especially during the holiday season.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
