The collection of children's toys is underway across Halton as the Miracle on Main Street charity drive gains steam.
Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has partnered with the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation (TJSF) for the drive for the fifth year and thanked some of their biggest donors at the Nov. 21 launch at police headquarters in Oakville.
"This is one of our largest community initiatives that we run as a police service, and our members love participating in it," said HRPS Sergeant Ryan Smith. "Its success is really attributed to the officers, volunteers and community partners who work behind the scenes well before the launch to ensure that kids and families across the region are supported during the holiday season."
Major community partners this year include Canadian Tire, Salvation Army, JR Toy Company, the Burlington Minor Hockey Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton.
The TJSF started Miracle on Main Street 11 years ago. Its founders, former wrestling stars Tiger Jeet Singh and his son Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. (aka Tiger Ali Singh), both spoke emotionally yesterday of how much this work means to them.
Tiger Jeet said he remembers the first time he visited sick children in hospital to distribute gifts collected by the foundation.
"What I saw, doesn't matter how big you are, I started crying," he said.
Tiger Ali said Miracle on Main Street is focused on inclusiveness and that sentiments like saying "Merry Christmas" should be seen as inclusive rather than divisive.
Tiger Ali also gave credit to his mother, saying she embraced Christmas traditions soon after arriving in Canada.
"I am here today, doing what I do and making a small impact in any which way that I can for the children," he said. "When I visit all the schools, it is my mom's message."
Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie said as Halton gets into the festive spirit, the time is ripe for reaching out to those who may be struggling this year.
"I can tell you that I am so very proud of seeing the community come together. You just have to pop by one 'Cram-a-Cruiser' event and you see the outpouring of social responsibility," he said.
"People are going in there to buy a snowblower and they come out with three or four toys to give someone else, because they can and should. That philanthropic approach to being a human in this community is so invigorating. I can see where the Tigers get their energy from ... you get energy from people who are doing their job well."
Last year, despite being a virtual event, Miracle on Main Street raised $850,000; they hope to raise even more this year.
"The last few years have been challenging for our sector," Wilkie said.. "But when we give our members the opportunity to be part of something like this, we are seen differently and we grow exponentially, internally as members of a community that wants to give back."
There are two more Cram-a-Cruiser events coming up on Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at all seven Canadian Tire stores in Halton.
Miracle on Main Street culminates in a community event in Milton on Dec. 9 with rides, live entertainment and food and drink. Admission is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy.
Donations can also be made online at http://tigerjeetsinghfoundation.com.
