Facing another pandemic holiday season, senators, their staff and Senate Administration employees made sure that more kids in the National Capital Region still have reason to celebrate.

Partnering with Toys for Tots, the Senate took part in a toy drive under the leadership of Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey.

“This important initiative aims to bring the gift of joy to underprivileged kids in the National Capital Region,” Speaker Furey said. “Senators, their staff and Senate Administration employees needed no encouragement to help put a smile on children’s faces this holiday season.”

Toys for Tots president Robert Krizanec said this year’s donations will support the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre, Indigenous women’s support centre Minwaashin Lodge, and Tewegan Housing for Aboriginal Youth — a transitional home for Indigenous women who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

“This wonderful initiative has helped to ensure that children in the Ottawa area have a toy hamper for the holiday season,” Mr. Krizanec said. “It cannot be understated how important this relationship has been and the positive impact that it has made in the local community.”

Jennifer Clark, of the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre, said the holiday season is a particularly difficult time for the people they serve.

“Every child deserves a toy for Christmas; every mother should feel empowered to be able to provide,” she said.

“Toys for Tots plays an instrumental role in making this time a little brighter.”

Donated toys wait to be picked up in the foyer of the Senate of Canada Building. 

Winnie-the-Pooh is looking for a new friend — because he’s that sort of bear.