The annual toy drives held by NorthwesTel and the Salvation Army has concluded and is sure to bring joy to many families this holiday season.

This yearSA国际影视传媒檚 campaign saw the collection of approximately 500 donated toys from both the public and those who work with NorthwesTel.

SA国际影视传媒淥ur employees get a little competitive over what department can donate to most toys,SA国际影视传媒� said Catherine Newsome, NorthwesTelSA国际影视传媒檚 spokesperson. SA国际影视传媒淲e kind of turn it into a rally for internal employees to get in the spirit of giving.SA国际影视传媒�

The distribution of the toys is managed by the Salvation Army, which signs up families to participate in the program. Air Tindi also plays a role in making deliveries to communities across the territory.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a community effort and an important one that we take a lot of pride in participating in every year,SA国际影视传媒� said Newsome.

In addition to the toy donations, NorthwesTel also donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army to extend the reach of the program.

Newsome noted that the turnout this year was comparable to previous years, with a slight increase in donations from Yellowknife.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think that for so many itSA国际影视传媒檚 a really magical time of the year but for others, itSA国际影视传媒檚 a really hard time of year,SA国际影视传媒� said Newsome. SA国际影视传媒淭here are not too many degrees of separation from any Northerner and a team member. WeSA国际影视传媒榬e neighbours, weSA国际影视传媒檙e friends, weSA国际影视传媒檙e family members.SA国际影视传媒�

Simultaneously, toys donations were received at the Salvation Army.

SA国际影视传媒淥ver 1,000 toys here at Salvation Army that have been donated, and the biggest donor of this year is NorthwesTel,SA国际影视传媒� said Derek Pluchinski, program manager with Salvation Army. SA国际影视传媒淲e will be distributing the toys to the families with children that apply for a Christmas hamper this year.SA国际影视传媒�

Pluchinski expressed his excitement about the event, saying it brings out the child in him.

SA国际影视传媒滻tSA国际影视传媒檚 thinking about the kids that these toys will be going to, maybe from less fortunate families, that itSA国际影视传媒檚 going to make their Christmas a little brighter this year,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Distribution of the toys families began last week and Air Tindi was planning to send Christmas hampers to Whati and 艁utsel KSA国际影视传媒檈.

Approximately 230 families had registered to receive toys this year.