Cochrane District Paramedic Service and Staff from CDSSAB Put Out a Call for Community Support

November 13, 2023 (TIMMINS, ON) — The Cochrane District Paramedic Service and staff from the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) are inviting everyone to their 12th Annual “Fill an Ambulance” Toy Drive taking place in Timmins on Saturday, November 25, 2023. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in front of the main entrance doors of both Canadian Tire and Walmart.

The community is encouraged to come out and donate new, unwrapped toys, gifts or cash donations to support children and youth aged 0 to 18+ years old. There is always a need and short supply of baby and teen items such as diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, onesies, bottles, baby formula and infant toys, electronics, craft supplies, board games, sporting goods, toboggans and sleds, hygiene and beauty products, clothing, pyjamas, bedding, towels, and kitchen items.

"We've always had amazing support from our community, they're so generous in helping make this event a success. Last year we managed to collect just over $4,000 in cash donations and enough gifts to fill two ambulances," shared Derrick Cremin, Cochrane District Paramedic Commander. "This year we're hoping to do it again and help out as many children and youth as possible. It's so important that we come together as a community to help families in need."

The collected donations will be provided to the North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation to support children and youth in need who are receiving services from North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) through the Community Angel Campaign.

“With the donations received each year, we are able to fulfill the wish lists for hundreds of children and youth,” said Karen Poitras, Volunteer Coordinator at NEOFACS. “While toys for younger kids are always welcomed, there is also a demand for items to meet the basic needs of older youth who may be living independently or preparing to transition to adulthood such as clothing or personal hygiene and household items.”

The support the campaign receives through the toy drive makes a significant difference, right here in the community. The campaign is about more than providing gifts. It's about spreading joy and providing children, youth, and their families with hope and support during the holidays.

“We know that times can be challenging, but the spirit of the holidays is realized through the thoughtfulness and generosity of many. Caring for kids is our collective responsibility and the toy drive lets our community know that help is available and no one is alone,” said Poitras. “We are so thankful for the ongoing generosity from our community and to the Cochrane District Paramedics and CDSSAB for making this annual event a success.”

For more information or for anyone who is unable to attend the toy drive but would still like to donate, please contact Derrick Cremin, Cochrane District Paramedic Commander, at 705-268-7722 ext. 287 or creminde@cdssab.on.ca. To learn more about the Community Angel Campaign, please visit https://www.neofacs.org/communityangel.

-30-

About North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation:
The North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation is a registered charity that shapes and improves the lives of children and youth from all backgrounds throughout the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming by supporting them in experiences that would otherwise be unattainable due to financial considerations. The Foundation raises funds to support innovative and urgently-needed programs and services that are not government-funded for North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS). To learn more, please visit https://www.neofacs.org/foundation.

About NEOFACS:
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is an integrated agency, providing services to children, youth and their families in the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming. Our client-responsive programs and services are innovative, evidence-based, and designed to meet the unique needs of those we serve. Our Agency provides Child Welfare, Child and Youth Mental Health, Youth Justice, and Prevention programs, along with a number of other programs and services. To learn more, please visit https://www.neofacs.org.

For additional information, please contact:

Derrick Cremin
Cochrane District Paramedic Commander
705-268-7722 ext. 287
creminde@cdssab.on.ca

Mélanie Watson
Communications Coordinator
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services
705-360-7100 ext. 5217
melanie.watson@neofacs.org