TTC Stuff-the-Bus toy drive returns this weekend

With the holidays quickly approaching, TTC employees are once again hosting their annual toy collection campaign, Stuff-the-Bus, for those in need.

This weekend, Sat. Dec. 3, and Sun. Dec. 4, the TTC will be outside Walmart at 165 North Queen St. in Etobicoke from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to collect new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations. Members of the public are encouraged to come out to fill a TTC bus with toys this weekend, and help the TTC spread holiday cheer to kids and teens across the GTHA.

“With the holidays approaching, I encourage all Torontonians who are able, to donate to Stuff-the-Bus this weekend,” said Mayor John Tory. “Thank you to the incredible TTC employees who are giving their time and energy to this generous initiative that gives so much to children and teens across our city.”

“I want to thank the TTC employees who volunteer their time every year to organize this event,” said TTC Chair Jon Burnside. “I encourage everyone to come out and support this event, and help the TTC make the holidays a little brighter for children and teens.”

“I am so proud of our Recreation Council and all of our employees who embody our core values, donate generously, and volunteer their time to help the communities we serve every day,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “Stuff-the-Bus is an annual employee-led initiative that has been going strong for 15 years. I want to thank everyone who makes this event and so many others possible with their generosity and community spirit at the holidays and all year round.”

This year, toys, gifts and money collected will be split amongst several local community organizations including SickKids, Abuse Hurts, Community Place Hub, Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club, and Progress Place. Those who wish to donate are encouraged to consider items suitable for children between 7 to 15 years old. The TTC has also partnered with Toronto Police, who will also be collecting toys and gifts for their Cram-A-Cruiser toy drive this weekend.

In 2021, over 2000 toys were collected and donated to children and teens through local community agencies.