Tiny toys provide big boost to fund
Proceeds from Regina Farm Toy Show have spread yuletide cheer for 19 years
What is Christmas without toys?
In that spirit, Ray Storozuk arrived at Leader-Post World Headquarters with a box of miniature farm toys and a donation of considerably greater proportion.
This very nice gentleman visited us to present a cheque for $550 to the Christmas Cheer Fund, marking the 19th consecutive year in which he has made a significant contribution.
The $550 consisted of proceeds derived from the Regina Farm Toy Show, which was held Oct. 21 and 22. Each year since he began running the show in 1999, Christmas Cheer has been the primary beneficiary.
“It’s like anything else,” Ray said. “If you help people, you feel good.”
Ray had contacted me a few weeks earlier, hoping to touch base in order to make the donation. He also provided some background on the show.
Ever the shallow individual, I asked Ray: “What are farm toys?”
“Replicas of real tractors from the past,” he said while showing me some of the collectibles he kindly brought over to 1964 Park St. “Everything you see in that box would be a real tractor, a real payloader.”
A seemingly infinite array of scaled-down collectibles was available for purchase or viewing at the toy show, which was co-sponsored by St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. The show was held at St. Basil’s Parish Centre.
Collectors from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba combined — get it? — to occupy 54 tables at the show, which also included NASCAR replicas, model trains and, well, virtually anything with miniature wheels.
“I would just like to thank all the people who attend and support the show,” Ray said. “I’ve already had a number of people ask about tables for next year.”
The 2018 show, by the way, is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21 — after which we look forward to celebrating a 20-year milestone with Ray.
Another tradition will be observed Saturday when Coffee Day is held at Nicky’s Cafe.
Coffee Day is a perennial fundraiser for Christmas Cheer, dating back to the early 2000s. As usual, the event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at 1005 8th Ave. (near the intersection of 8th and Winnipeg Street).
For four hours, various Christmas Cheer volunteers will be pouring coffee to assist this great cause.
Please be warned that I am a notorious night owl, so my pouring skills may be suspect or downright non-existent on a few hours’ sleep. There will be real professionals on hand to ensure your safety. No lawsuits, please.
Look forward to seeing you there — albeit through bleary eyes. Earlier this week, Linda Sinclair donated $200 to Christmas Cheer in memory of Bev Bell.
Bev played for the Regina Pats from 1951 to 1954 before going on to enjoy a 10-year professional hockey career. He was also an allstar neighbour.
When Bev and Myrna Bell moved to a different locale in Regina a few years ago, they were kind enough to leave behind a few boxes of prized collectibles for the Raisea-Reader Sports Memorabilia Sale. (They also gave Mom a small colour television, which I shamelessly hogged.)
Linda’s kind contribution reminded me of the selfless good nature that always typified Bev.
Little-known fact: My father also played for the Pats.
Alan Vanstone was the organist.
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DONATE
Online at leaderpost.com By mailing a cheque, money order or credit card info to LeaderPost Christmas Cheer Fund, 1964 Park St., P.O. Box 2020, Regina, Sask., S4P 3G4. Please make cheques payable to Leader-Post Foundation — Christmas Cheer. An official donation receipt from the Leader-Post Foundation will be emailed or mailed to you in February. An ongoing ad in the Regina Leader-Post provides details and donation form.
By phone at 306-781-5211, Select Option 6 to leave a message, your call will be returned to take donation information.
In-person during office hours 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 1964 Park St.