On the weekend of December 6, there was a powerful reminder of what can happen when the hockey community comes together for something bigger than the game. For the third year in a row, Ted Reeve Hockey Association, Bob Acton Sports, Beast Athletics, and the Toronto East Enders teamed up to support Centre 55’s Share a Christmas Program, a longstanding initiative that provides holiday support to families across Toronto’s East End.
With the help of players, families, coaches, volunteers, and an incredibly generous neighbourhood, this year’s toy drive became the biggest effort yet. Downtown Toyota Canada joined as a sponsor, and the impact was immediately visible — a Toyota Tacoma packed to the brim with toys, multiple car loads delivered to Centre 55, and donations continuing to come in throughout the week, surpassing $2,500 at last count.
When the final drop-off was made, Centre 55 staff shared just how much this support means, with the need this year being significant. Thanks to the collective efforts of the East End hockey community, more families will now have the holiday support they were hoping for.
“What made this initiative especially meaningful wasn’t just the volume of toys and donations, but the way everyone came together,” Martelle Rodriguez, East Enders representative, shared. “Players volunteered their time, younger teams stepped up to run their own drives, parents contributed in every way they could, and each organization played its part. In the end, it didn’t matter which logo was on the front of the jersey — the shared spirit of community led the way.”
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