The annual Northwestel, Salvation Army toy drive kicked off Thursday and Yellowknifers can now donate games and gifts until Dec. 10. 

SA国际影视传媒淔or kids, I think that the pandemic has been an extra challenge,SA国际影视传媒� Mayor Rebecca Alty said at the launch, SA国际影视传媒淭o be able to provide a Christmas that looks like the others will be welcome.SA国际影视传媒�

The drive has been going on for over a decade and Imran Khan, Northwestel general manager, said there is always a lot of participation. He estimated that more than 100 toys were donated last year. Khan is optimistic this year can be SA国际影视传媒渆ven better.SA国际影视传媒�

The drive was originally launched by a Northwestel retail sales associate in Fort Nelson. Since then the initiative has only grown and expanded. 

SA国际影视传媒淚t's also a testament of how in the North, we support each other,SA国际影视传媒� Khan said. SA国际影视传媒淚 hope (the gifts) inspire the young ones.SA国际影视传媒�

This year, Northwestel has donated $5,000 to the Yellowknife Salvation Army for its holiday drive. The Salvation Army will also continue to distribute food hampers over the holiday season, as well as hold its yearly Christmas Kettle drive. 

SA国际影视传媒淭he community coming together in this way is so important because it shows the human side in all of us,SA国际影视传媒� said Jason Brinson, an officer with the Yellowknife Salvation Army. He said that while people may see Northwestel as just a telecommunications company, the people within the organization are SA国际影视传媒済enerous,SA国际影视传媒� and SA国际影视传媒渢houghtful.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淐orporate decision-makers want to see a community thatSA国际影视传媒檚 bound together,SA国际影视传媒� Brinson said. SA国际影视传媒淚t shows that weSA国际影视传媒檙e together in mission.SA国际影视传媒�