Winnipeg firefighters to collect mountain of toys

Winnipeg firefighters launched their "Toy Mountain" campaign Monday, encouraging Winnipeggers to donate 10,000 gifts to the city's needy children this Christmas.

Mark Young, chaplain for both the Winnipeg Fire Department and the Salvation Army, said his dream is for every child in Winnipeg to have a new toy this holiday season, regardless of means.

Young said he has seen the effect a new toy can have on children who have lost everything in a fire.

"They're traumatized and so if they can have a toy to help the healing process, it takes their mind off the traumatic event," he said.

Last year, firefighters collected 8,600 toys, but this year, Young said, they need more to provide to the children of new immigrants to Canada.

"We have a large community coming in and we've been working closely with them throughout the year the Congolese and the Sudanese communities and so we just want to welcome them to Canada."

Firefighters are looking for new, unwrapped toys for children up to age 12.

Collections boxes will be available in every fire hall in the city until Dec. 20, as well as at the CFL East Division semifinal game this Sunday at Canad Inns Stadium and at The Forks after the Power Smart/Winnipeg Jaycees Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 17.

The collected toys will be distributed through the Salvation Army.