The generosity of Londoners has ensured more children in the London region won't go without this Christmas.
Classic Rock 98.1 held its annual Tap for Toys for the Salvation Army on Friday. During the three hour event at the corner of Richmond and Piccadilly streets a record $12,800 worth of cash and toy donations were collected. That is nearly $3,000 more than the previous year's event.
"We've been overwhelmed by how wildly generous the Classic Rock Empire (Londoners) have been this year along with clients and other community partners," Blair and Rubino, the station's morning show co-hosts, said in a statement. "At a time when London is in need the most, their friends and neighbours stepped up like family. We're proud to have been able to be a part of making Christmas a little more special this year for kids across the city."
Classic Rock 98.1 had asked listeners to pop-by the location outside of its studios to "tap" their debit or credit cards to donate. New, unwrapped toys for children of all ages were also being collected.
The donations will go toward the Salvation Army's Christmas assistance program. The program provides assistance to area families who are struggling financially with a gift card to buy the fixings for Christmas dinner and toys for children up to the age of 12. Distribution is slated to begin next week.
According to the Salvation Army more than 6,000 families have signed up to receive assistance this Christmas.
Anyone who was not able to make it to Friday morning's Tap for Toys event, can still give through the Salvation Army's website.
