‘Toys for the North’ Collects Record-Breaking Number of Donations from Canadian Toy Manufacturers

December 6, 2023 | “Toys for the North” — a national toy collection and distribution charity run in partnership between The Canadian Toy Association (CTA), logistics supplier Thomson Terminals, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police — has donated toys valued at $559,906 to thousands of families in need living in Canada’s most remote regions. The initiative concluded with a record-breaking dollar amount worth of toys in a single season for the initiative, growing 43 percent over last year and increasing 2,824 percent since 2019.

"This remarkable achievement underscores the unwavering commitment of the Canadian toy industry to spread joy and bring smiles to those in need," said Andrew Wagar, chair of Toys for the North for the CTA. "We are immensely proud of the collective effort and generosity displayed by our industry partners, stakeholders, and manufacturers that support this wonderful program, the only toy drive in Canada exclusively supporting Canada’s northern communities."

Toys for the North is 100 percent volunteer run and collects and distributes products to families that often cannot access or afford toys during the holiday season, supporting Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

“As founding partners in the Toys for the North, this program is especially near and dear to our hearts,” said Jim and Sally Thomson, owners of Thomson Terminals Limited. “It brings us great joy to see how much it has grown, the support it receives, and the positive impact it brings to Canada’s North.”

Founded in 1932, the Canadian Toy Association (CTA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The CTA leads the growth and health of the Canadian toy community as the authority on toys and the benefits of play. The Toy Association™ sustains the CTA, which provides enhanced value for active member companies across North America.