CTV News Toronto and The Salvation Army Team Up for the 29th Annual TOY MOUNTAIN Campaign, Beginning Today

TORONTO (November 19, 2024) – With many families across the GTHA stretching every dollar this holiday season, CTV News Toronto’s annual TOY MOUNTAIN campaign returns for its 29^th year in partnership with The Salvation Army, bringing holiday cheer to those in need. TOY MOUNTAIN collects new, unwrapped toys for families, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 19. The campaign begins with a special broadcast on CTV News Toronto’s CTV NEWS AT SIX, joining The Salvation Army live from Oakville Place for a two-night launch event on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Wednesday, Nov. 20. Supporters can stop by with a donation and enjoy the festivities. Leading up to the conclusion of the campaign on Friday, Dec. 20, CTV News Toronto’s Andria Case and Jessica Smith lead daily TOY MOUNTAIN progress updates on CTV NEWS AT SIX, Toronto’s most-watched evening newscast, airing at 6 p.m. ET on CTV, CTVNewsToronto.ca, and the CTV News app. The 2024 campaign marks 29 years of generosity from viewers and donors, helping to make the season brighter for thousands of children. TOY MOUNTAIN encourages local residents, businesses, schools, organizations, community groups, and CTV viewers to collect and donate toys for all age groups. This holiday season, The Salvation Army has set a goal to support 70,000 children across the GTHA. Supporters can visit ToyMountain.ca and TOY MOUNTAIN’s social media accounts for campaign updates, and to find a list of live broadcast and toy drop-off locations. Supporters can also make financial donations online and receive a tax receipt from The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army is incredibly grateful for the partnership with CTV News Toronto through the TOY MOUNTAIN campaign,” said Erin Boyle, Public Relations Officer (GTA) at The Salvation Army. “Donating a new, unwrapped toy to the campaign not only puts a smile on a child’s face but provides hope to families who are trying to stretch the dollar. The campaign is far-reaching in its impact and is an opportunity for The Salvation Army to engage with struggling families about vital and life-changing programs and services offered beyond the holiday season.” “Every year, our viewers come together to help provide holiday cheer to families in need, and this spirit of generosity is what makes the TOY MOUNTAIN campaign so special,” said James Lewis, Executive Producer, CTV News Toronto & CP24. “We’re honoured to work alongside the staff and volunteers at The Salvation Army as we work together to reach the goal of supporting 70,000 children and their families.” Numerous Salvation Army corporate partners have signed on to make the TOY MOUNTAIN campaign possible, including Toronto Area Ford Dealers, Access Storage, IKEA, Best Buy, and Park ‘N Fly. As part of the campaign this year, The Salvation Army is launching the all-new School Toy Drive Program, sponsored by Toronto Area Ford Dealers in the GTA. Through the program, schools across the Greater Toronto Area are provided with a holiday activity box to support their learning about the TOY MOUNTAIN campaign. The program aims to encourage students, teachers, parents, and guardians to provide a helping hand to children and families in need by building a mountain of toys within their classrooms. Canadians can continue to connect with CTV News to access all the comprehensive news they need by visiting CTVNews.ca, subscribing to a variety of CTV News daily newsletters, and by downloading the official CTV News app.