STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS
Thanks!!!!
By Rik Davie/The Scugog Standard

This is a Christmas message that is strictly about ‘thank you’s! As we wind down the 2011 North Durham Toy Drives we are closing a chapter in the continuing story of how communities look after each other.
_In the Scugog area, we collected more toys, gifts and cash than ever before in an economic time that had those of us running the drive more than a little nervous going in.
_Instead, you came through, in bigger and better ways than ever before. With the help and guidance of Terry Vos of Vos’ Independent Grocer, the business community came together as the Chamber of Commerce and BIA joined The Standard and, well, all media, to run a promotion that will probably garner close to $10,000 in cash for the folks at Operation Scugog.
_Some individuals, including Terry himself, stood out in their commitment to raise funds and help others. Kim at KJ’s Shack went above and beyond in fundraising efforts of every kind and probably topped all other small businesses for individual donations of all kinds including the Family Christmas draw.
_Crabby Joe’s joined in and no one supports the toy drive more than Mike Adam and his gang at Gus Brown, who once again donated the van that will be forever known as ‘Anne’s Toy Box’ in honour of the late Anne Wanninkhof (thanks Designs by Deb for the best van detailing ever), whose spirit prodded and shoved me through an especially busy drive. Here at The Standard, Tom Thekan devoted much time to gathering and moving toys, a job he has taken on each year with vigour. Fleiler’s UltraMar gassed us up for the third year in a row and we thank them for that.
_Jeff at Canadian Tire did his usual great job helping to gather toys and promote us and went far beyond what was required to help one particular family have their best Christmas ever.
_The firefighters gathered toys again this year and are always big supporters of ours. The folks at Antrim House made sure a family was looked after and raised funds as well, and Micklegate Realty held a draw for a gift basket filled with $300 of merchandise from local businesses for folks who brought in new, unwrapped toys for their drive.
_A special thanks goes out to Brad and Anne at The Source for their donations and for going the extra mile when I came to them with one of my notorious ‘special projects.’
_Our gang here, especially Anita, Gayle and Lisa, chipped in and made one little girl’s Christmas more special with some ‘personal shopping.’
_The Victory Christian Centre once again provided the place for Chris and her Operation Scugog elves to do their important work.
_In Uxbridge, media and businesses joined together for another successful drive, and a special thanks to Ginger and Sandy of McDonald’s who helped out in Scugog and Uxbridge each and every year.
_While he seeks no recognition I’m giving it anyway to Pat Higgins of Uxbridge Canadian Tire, who is a driving force behind the toy drive and a huge community supporter all year long.
_A thanks to my staff, who brave cold and wind to man the van for our Fill-the-Van days.
_And here’s one that was a pleasant surprise ... our new friends at Wal-Mart Port Perry stepped up and made the drive the over-the-top success both in terms of toys and cash by raising, I am told, more money than any store in their category nationally for the local food bank.... Not bad for the new kids on the block!
_And finally, thank you, all of you, who handed us toys and cheques and change and your good wishes. In a world that is increasingly inwardly focused and at a time when the phrase ‘Christmas spirit’ is becoming politically incorrect, you put aside your differences and placed yourselves second to make sure that all kids have the kind of Christmas kids are supposed to have.
_You made it a Merry Christmas, North Durham. So from me, personally.... Thank you.