Toy Drive Donates Record-Breaking Number of Christmas Toys to The Salvation Army

Uncle Vinny's Toy Drive Surpasses Goal

SURREY, BC, Dec. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Uncle Vinny's Toy Drive celebrated its fifth year by surpassing their goal and donating the highest number of toys in the history of the fundraiser. Over 1,750 toys were collected between November 12 to December 10 at over 40 local businesses throughout the Lower Mainland. On Monday, the toys were picked up The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver that operates a Toy Shop for families to select Christmas gifts directly from the shelves who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

"This generous donation from the Maan family has had a transformative impact changing countless lives for the better. Creating brighter futures and a Merry Christmas to those most in need this Christmas Season, we couldn't have reached our goal of serving 800 families without partners like this." - Tamara Randlesome, Corps Officer, The Salvation Army Boundless Vancouver

Originally founded in 2021, the toy drive was created in memory of Vinny Maan by his family. "Uncle" Vinny's sudden passing in the winter of 2019 made the holidays very difficult for the family. They decided they wanted to turn that grief into something positive and honour Vinny's love of Christmas, children, and his desire to help others. Now, after five years of running the toy drive, they have donated a grand total of 8,250 toys in his name.

"He's definitely proud, he's definitely beaming," shared Pinder Saran, Vinny's sister and organizer of the toy drive. "It's bringing a lot of us together, we're getting a lot of people involved that knew Vinny that we didn't know knew Vinny." 

Members of the family also volunteered at the Toy Shop where they saw many of the toys they donated on the shelves as they helped families walk through and take home toys to celebrate Christmas with something special.

New this year was Uncle Vinny's Memorial Basketball Tournament. The three-on-three style tournament was hosted at Fraser Heights Secondary and was inspired by Vinny's love of the sport as he coached a youth team. Funds raised from registration and spectators went towards buying toys with a focus on filling the gaps for age groups where they had less gifts for than others. The fundraiser also started in new cities this year supporting The Salvation Army in the Okanagan and in Calgary, Alberta.

The Salvation Army is still looking for support to help reach their goal of raising $4.6 million in British Columbia this year. The public can get involved by volunteering or donating at a Christmas Kettle or online at SalvationArmy.ca

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. In Bermuda, the Army has been at work since 1896. Today, it is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country, offering hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and Bermuda and in more than 130 countries around the world.

We believe in the transformative power of a helping hand—empowering people to move forward, no matter where they're starting from. With open doors, open minds, and open hearts, The Salvation Army provides practical, personalized support to those facing poverty, homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.

Our services include hunger relief through food banks and meal programs; shelter and housing support; addiction rehabilitation; long-term and palliative care; and life-skills development such as budgeting and cooking. We also offer children and youth programming, including after-school activities, camps, school nutrition, and Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys.

Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, The Salvation Army meets people in their moment of need—and stays with them for the journey ahead. When you give to The Salvation Army, you're investing in renewed hope, restored dignity, and a stronger future for overlooked individuals and families in your community.

SalvationArmy.ca

SOURCE The Salvation Army British Columbia Division