By Sean Delaney
In a year many would describe as challenging, the Emery Village community came together in a powerful way to support families in need — proving once again that generosity lives strong in this neighbourhood.
The 2025 Toy and Food Drive, organized by the Emery Village BIA in association with Toronto Police Service 31 Division, collected toys and non-perishable food items for Weston Emergency Services and the North York Harvest Food Bank. What began as a community effort quickly turned into an extraordinary show of support from local businesses, schools, residents, and volunteers.
“All I can say is this year was the best ever Food and Toy Drive collection,” said Sandra Farina, Executive Director of the Emery Village BIA. “Both our local Emery BIA businesses, their staff, and local residents were very, very generous — even through these tough times.
The scale of this year’s donations was impressive. In total, the drive filled a 26-foot moving truck and a 20-foot U-Haul with food, along with an additional U-Haul packed with toys and food, all delivered to 31 Division for distribution to those who need it most.
“It was so heart-warming to see such generosity,” Farina added. “We are truly blessed to have such wonderful and supportive people helping to make other people’s holiday season special too. I am so proud to live in such a giving community.”
Farina also extended sincere thanks to Al Ruggiero, Project Manager with the Emery Village BIA, whose coordination and hands-on support helped ensure the drive ran smoothly from start to finish.
The Emery Village BIA and 31 Division would like to thank the many contributors who made this year’s drive such a success, including Seaboard Transport; Fiera Foods and Upper Crust; August Group; Safe Storage Depot; Excelsior Foods; Delta Bingo and Gaming; MVR Cash & Carry; Kati D’Onofrio, local resident; Gulfstream Public School; and St. Basil’s Public School.
Each donation — whether food, toys, time, or support — helped bring comfort, dignity, and joy to families across the community during the holiday season.
As the year comes to a close, this remarkable effort stands as a reminder of what makes Emery Village special: people looking out for one another, and a community that shows up when it matters most.