“Heartless toy thieves have stolen Christmas from needy children, say the operators of a holiday charity drive in Peel Region.

A trailer full of gifts donated to Peel's Toys for Tots annual campaign was swiped Sept. 26 from an industrial area near Rexdale Blvd. and Bethridge Rd., police said. The toys were surplus from last year's collection and were to be used to kick-start this year's campaign before being distributed to some of the 7,000 children helped annually, said the Salvation Army's Capt. John Murray.

"The Salvation Army is very disappointed that this would happen, that these bandits and robbers would steal Christmas from children," Murray said. "It's absolutely deplorable that they would do this."

Peel Police and the Salvation Army run the drive with Canadian Tire. Peel Const. Kerry Vandrish said he hopes the games, stuffed animals and other gifts will be recovered.” (Reprinted from the Toronto Star)

This sad story has moved our band members to hold a toy drive of sorts with each of them offering to contribute a new unwrapped toy suitable for both boys and girls. Our members have been asked to bring a toy with a $20 - $30 value to our practice on Saturday November 7th.

We would like to challenge all pipers, drummers and pipe bands along with their friends and families in the GTA to help out this great cause. On Saturday November 7th we will be at our practice facility at the Peel Regional Police, Emil Kolb Centre (180 Derry Rd. E.) in Mississauga, Ontario between 11:00am and 1:00pm to accept any donations.

“We were moved and saddened by the theft of these toys and the thought of kids that may go without as a result. We felt that we had to do something to help out” said Pipe Major John Cairns. “We should be able to come up with 50 or 60 toys from within the band and hope that our challenge to others in the pipe band community will be met. What a great way for the pipe band community in Ontario to come together in support of a wonderful cause” added Cairns.

We hope to see you all on Nov. 7th.

If you can not make it on the 7th or would like to send something from outside the area, gifts can be mailed to the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band c/o PO Box 32, 1978 Winslow Cres. Brights Grove, Ontario N0N 1C0.

If posting something from outside of Canada please indicate on the package “gift” and the value.