67’s look to make a difference with annual OSEG Foundation Toy Drive
The holidays often bring a sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and good times for those fortunate enough to share the season with friends and family, but for so many others, it can be a stressful time of the year.
Once again in 2024, the Ottawa 67’s are working to make a difference in the community, running their annual OSEG Foundation Toy Drive at home games between Friday, November 29th, and Sunday, December 8th.
“The idea is to allow fans to come to the game and donate toys to kids in the community that wouldn’t otherwise get them,” said OSEG Foundation Coordinator Sam Schroeder. “The Youth Advisory Council are going to be the ones who are volunteering to collect the toys. We want to provide fans as an outlet to help bring more toys to kids.”
The Toy Drive collection will be outside of Section 20, between Gate 2 and Gate 3, during the four home games between the dates listed above. Fans are encouraged to bring toys suitable for children of all ages. They can be wrapped or unwrapped.
It’s the second time the Barber Poles have partnered with the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council to run such a campaign, and they hope it can be even more successful than the one they ran a season ago.
“We managed to raise a bunch of toys, and the 67’s actually donated some additional toys on top of what we raised from the Toy Drive,” Schroeder said. “Then we got teddy bears from the Teddy Bear Toss. So it’s one of those things where it all combines.”
All collected toys will be donated to a local community house, and will be picked up by 67’s players and Foundation staff, before being distributed to those in need.
“Hopefully it brings them Christmas joy,” Schroeder said. “It’s a good opportunity for us to help with that in the city, and the community.”
It’s an important part of the 67’s holiday giving, which also includes the annual Teddy Bear Toss, which comes on Sunday, December 8th, when the 67’s host the Barrie Colts at 2 p.m.
“It’s a great opportunity for fans to get into the holiday spirit,” Schroeder said. “Giving is an important part of what the holidays are, so whether it be through the Teddy Bear Toss or the Toy Drive, they are awesome opportunities to help bring Christmas joy to kids.”
