This year marks the sixth annual ‘Toy Mountain’ fundraiser that Victoria’s Virgin Radio is putting on to help kids in need wake up to a gift under the tree on Christmas Day.
Toy Mountain is one of several fundraisers overseen by CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, which operates as a year-round, non-profit dedicated to helping kids in need.
As in years past, the goal of Virgin Radio’s Toy Mountain fundraiser is to collect donations of unwrapped gifts, gift cards and money to be donated to children of all ages.
The fundraiser is headquartered out of Uptown Shopping Centre, but has moved from last year’s location to the storefront next to H&M.
The crew of Virgin Radio will be working hard collecting donations and spreading the word of Toy Mountain from that location between now and December 11th.
At the donation dropoff and headquarters, Virgin Radio has built a makeshift radio station where hosts will be broadcasting live on weekdays.
Bailey Parker of Virgin Radio’s morning show told Victoria Buzz that there is no need too big or too small for this fundraiser.
“The team there is so dedicated and will [do] whatever it takes when there is a child involved,” she said.
“What I love about this fundraiser is that it is a testament to the power of community. The collective good we can do when we all come together. It restores my faith in humanity every single year.”
In 2023, Toy Mountain set itself a new record to beat with around $34,000 worth of toys, gifts, gift cards and monetary donations.
Last year, the fundraiser went way above and beyond their 2023 record, and collected approximately $62,570 in donations.
For those who want to donate, but aren’t sure what to get, Parker says that gift cards are always a great idea. Additionally, art supplies, crafts, grooming kits for teens or LEGO are always safe bets.
For those who don’t want to park their vehicles at Uptown, there will be a drive-thru drop off on Wednesday, December 10th from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
During the drive-thru drop off, a team of volunteers will be outside of the Toy Mountain headquarters with complimentary treats and coffee for donors.
Virgin Radio is also accepting cash donations onsite at their headquarters, and have a debit/credit machine that allows people to donate.
Monetary donations come complete with a tax receipt.
Money that is donated is spent by Santas Anonymous volunteers on gifts for age ranges they are lacking in.
This year, there are 1,200 families registered, and 2,508 children and teens who will benefit from the fundraiser.
Each family who is registered receives two gifts per child, a full food hamper and a $150 grocery gift card for fresh food.
More about Toy Mountain and CFAX Santas Anonymous is available on Virgin Radio’s website.
