Lake Country RCMP, along with the Lake Country Food Bank, Salvation Army, and Citizens on Patrol, invites the community to take part in this year鈥檚 Cram the Cruiser Toy Drive. The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Santa Workshop at George Elliot Secondary School.
Since the event started in 2012, the community has donated over $50,000 and more than 14,500 pounds of items to support local families. This year, you can help by bringing unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to support families in need.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. RCMP Const. Kerri Parish and her children, Mitchell and Jake, will light the Lake Country Star on Spion Kopp Mountain. They will also collect unwrapped toys and donations from 4 to 8 p.m. at Apex Park, located at 13165 Apex Drive.
Mitchell and Jake, along with friends and family, began lighting the Lake Country Star in 2019 to lift community spirits during the COVID pandemic. In 2023, they collected over 200 toys for the Cram the Cruiser.
"Please come by and support our local families needing a bit of extra help this year," Const. Parish said.
For those unable to attend either event, donations of unwrapped toys, non-perishable food, and monetary contributions can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Lake Country RCMP Detachment 3231 Berry Rd
- Royal LePage Realty 10058 Hwy 97, Lake Country
Donations will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 9.
鈥淭his is an excellent example of the community spirit and dedication our officers and their families show in the communities they serve,鈥� says Cpl. Ryder Birtwistle, with Lake Country RCMP. 鈥淟et鈥檚 come together to make this holiday season brighter for families in need.鈥�