(Dec.9.06) The Markham Fire Department is holding its annual Christmas toy and food drive and firefighters were out at the Markham Centennial Arena on December 8 to collect stuffed toys donated by the fans of the Markham Waxers hockey club during their match against the Pickering Panthers.

     It was Teddy Bear Night and no sooner had Mike Scheu scored the first Waxer goal of the game than the ice was showered with stuffed animals of every size and species. Firefighter Karen Harvey who is posted to Station 96 (14th Avenue and McCowan Road) was at the game, along with co-workers Firefighter Brian Snooks, Captain Jack Lang, and Platoon Chief Chris Rouble, to receive the cuddly donations.

    Karen told GuidingStar.ca that people wishing to donate non-perishable food items and unwrapped new toys can drop them off at any of the Markham Fire Department’s seven stations as well as at the Markham Civic Centre. All donations will be taken to the Salvation Army who will prepare hampers, containing a turkey and age appropriate gifts, for needy families in Markham.

    GuidingStar.ca salutes the efforts of Markham firefighters to bring joy to homes that might otherwise be facing a sad Christmas time.

Grant Weaver