Ottawa’s annual Toy Mountain charity drive was launched Nov. 15 and will be ongoing until mid-December, with the support and organization of the Salvation Army, Majic 100.3 radio and CTV.
According to Dr. Elisa Romano, a University of Ottawa expert in children's behavioural and emotional development, there are long-term impacts that a campaign like Toy Mountain can have on the well-being of children,
“Play is so important to their development, whether it’s their language skills, or their social, emotional, or cognitive development,” says Romano about the significance of the toy drive.
This hugely successful Christmas assistance program was founded 25 years ago, and has operated in Ottawa since its inception. Throughout November and December, gifts are donated and then distributed to low-income families, who otherwise would not be able to afford such holiday luxuries.
Romano stresses that children younger than five are particularly impressionable because this critical time “is really when they’re developing quite rapidly across all those different areas.”
She adds that depending on the quality of the toys children have access to, it can enhance childhood experience and provide benefits for the future, positively affecting several different aspects of their self growth.
The Salvation Army asks that donated toys remain unwrapped and be of good quality. Age-appropriate toys are also important, as the age range goes from newborn to 12 years old. Contributors are also encouraged to donate books to promote literacy among youth.
“All children deserve to have those kinds of opportunities – to have access to toys and books and whatever else could come from the Toy Mountain campaign,” says Romano.
The Salvation Army anticipates this year’s Toy Mountain will provide gifts for 16,000 children in the Ottawa region throughout the holiday season.
Sean Maddox, Salvation Army’s Public Relations Director for Central East Ontario, says the program helps provide children with a tangible part of the Christmas spirit.
He says helping a child have a toy of their own helps them connect with others through the holiday spirit giving.
Dr. Alastair Younger, an expert in children's peer relations and social development with the University of Ottawa, says that the Toy Mountain campaign helps contribute to happier family environments, which is good for parents and children.
“These programs help children not feel ‘different’ from their peers in terms of holiday celebrations,” says Younger.
He says the Toy Mountain Campaign has other benefits for children, which are sometimes overlooked.
“There are positive consequences not only of receiving, but also giving,” says Younger, who emphasizes that programs such as this promote children’s sense of compassion and concern for others.
Romano explains that the Toy Mountain program also gives parents an opportunity to teach their kids about community involvement and looking out for those less fortunate.
“I think it’s a powerful message,” she says. “For the children receiving these toys, it’s a huge message that many people do care for them.”
Toy donations can be dropped off at Bell Media Ottawa, located at 87 George St., as well as all TD Canada Trust bank locations in Ottawa. Additional locations will be announced as December approaches.