For the 5th year running, a Wallaceburg girl is holding a toy drive for children at the Ronald McDonald House.
Rori Bennett, who lives in Wallaceburg with her parents Kim McAuley and Joel Bennett, will be turning 13 on October 19 this year. To celebrate her birthday she’ll be running her fifth annual toy drive for the children and families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario in London.
“I am trying to collect as many new and unwrapped toys as possible, to give to the children,” Rori said.
“All of the new and unwrapped toys will be donated to the Christmas Room, providing toys and other gifts for children of all families who are in the hospital over the Christmas season.”
This year she also held a kickoff barbecue event on Saturday at Basso’s No Frills in Wallaceburg, with all of the proceeds from the barbecue going directly to buying toys to fill boxes in needed areas.
The fundraiser started on October 1 and ends on November 19.
“I have also opened a GoFundMe account for accepting donations. All of the money I receive on that account will be used to buy as many toys as I can to fill boxes,” Rori said.
Physical donations can be dropped off at the rental office located at 780 Wallace St in unit 104, Pure Academy by Debbie McGonigle in Wallaceburg, Pure Academy in Chatham and Lakeshore, St. James Anglican Church, and Holy Redeemer Parish Cluster located at Holy Family Church.
“I will be delivering the toys and personal items before Christmas to be used over the Christmas season for the children at the Ronald McDonald House,” Rori said.
“I would really appreciate any new toys you can give.”
People can message Rori through the Facebook group she started to find out more information about the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario, to arrange to be a drop off location, or to arrange a drop off at her home.
“I will be accepting toys as well as money donations, which will be used to fill boxes that have less toys, at the end of the drive,” she said.
“Thank you for your support and for helping me to give back to this wonderful charity that has helped my family and so many others. I need your help… help me give back.”
Click here to visit, Rori’s page on Facebook: Rori’s 5th Annual Toy Drive for Ronald McDonald House… Help Me Give Back!
Or here to donate to her GoFundMe campaign: Rori’s 5th Annual Toy Drive for RMH
– Photo credit: Facebook
