The theft of 10 bags of toys destined for needy children through the Salvation Army has inspired an outpouring of generosity and goodwill.
That includes a special gift from Canadian Tire Hillside, where members of the Salvation Army staff have been invited to choose whatever they need from the toy department.
Their shopping trip happens Monday morning.
“They’re wanting to provide us with as much we felt we’ve lost,” said Salvation Army spokeswoman Patricia Mamic.
The toys were stolen from a truck parked next to the Salvation Army’s Stan Hagen Centre for Families on Quadra Street. There were an estimated 15 to 20 toys per bag, with a total value of up to $5,000.
The centre sets up a free toy shop every Christmas with help from initiatives such as the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, which raises money for people in need.
Greg Honour, general manager of the Canadian Tire store, said he is happy to help the Salvation Army.
“One thing, it’s right in our neighbourhood,” he said, adding that the loss of the toys is “just sad.”
He said the Hillside store has enjoyed support from the community and wants to reciprocate.
“Our store opened just two years ago and we’ve been received well by everybody,” Honour said.
“We happen to be a family company and we sell a lot of toys.”
Besides, he said, owner Justin Young’s family depended on the Salvation Army when he was growing up.
“There were a number of years where they got the food baskets and they had presents under the tree only because of the Salvation Army.”
Mamic said the Salvation Army is grateful for the community’s response.
“It’s just amazing,” she said.
A youth group from the Salvation Army Citadel is planning a toy drive for next week. It takes place in the citadel parking lot at 4030 Douglas St. from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday.
“They just thought they wanted to come together and do something,” Mamic said.
She was particularly moved when a person of limited means stepped forward to help.
“A past client who had been helped by the Salvation Army services, even though he’s just getting on his feet, caught wind of this and felt in his heart that he wanted to make a donation.”
