Greetings UTM community,
IMI and Management are proud to once again host the 9th annual UTM Holiday Donation Drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel | York!
Please join us and show just how giving the UTM campus can be. 😊
In 2023, UTM granted the gift wishes of over 150 Littles and raised over $1,000.
There are two options for donating:
Donating Wrapped Gifts/Toys
- We coordinate with BBBS Peel to arrange a pickup of all the gifts, but to make things easier for them we will need gifts wrapped and dropped off on campus
- Only those who fill out the form will be sent the list of Littles and their gift wishes
- Deadline to drop off your wrapped gift: Monday, December 2
- Please see the FAQ below on where to deliver your gifts
Online Donations
Donate as a Digital UTM Santa via the BBBS Peel | York portal
- This URL is specific to UTM, so any donations made via their main portal will not be reflected in our campus total
- $20 minimum donation is required to obtain a tax receipt
- Deadline to donate online to help with holiday gifts: Week of December 2-6
- Any donations made after this week will most likely be used by BBBS in the new year, but will still count towards our UTM total 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the gift signup/donation work?
- We receive a list of Littles from BBBS with their names, ages, gender, and gift/toy wishes.
- When you fill out the form saying you wish to donate a physical gift/toy, the list will be available on the confirmation page (we will also send it just in case). You can then sign up for a Little(s) and fulfill their wish.
- Alternatively, you also have the option to donate online by visiting the special BBBS Peel | York portal made just for UTM. Donations of $20 or more will be eligible for a tax receipt.
Can I sign up for more than one Little?
Of course!
How much should I spend on a gift?
While our suggested budget is $30, we encourage UTM Santas to spend whatever they're comfortable spending. :)
Some gift wishes may seem like they're more expensive, and our friends at BBBS understand this - here's what they've told us in the past:
For instance, I can see headphones and wireless earbuds will be really popular this year and I ask people to buy within the price range they are comfortable spending. I just did a quick search and Walmart sells for some for around $20 with a wide range available. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel obligated to overspend. Everyone will be grateful and thankful for what they receive. Hope that is helpful!
What do I do once I've purchased my gift(s)?
- Wrap them (or put them in gift bags), and bring them to the 2nd floor of the Innovation Complex/Kaneff Centre. You can drop them off at the following offices:
- Clerissa Albores, KN 2202
- Ryan Cerrudo/Sarah Ogbiti, KN 2252
- Sarah Iarrobino, KN 235
- If you're okay with it, we may try to take a photo of you with your gift(s) to post on our channels: check out some of our Santas from 2022!
Do I have to wrap my gifts?
Yes, it will make it easier for us to organize them for pickup. But we understand it's a busy time of year, so if you find yourself strapped for time, we might be able to organize a wrapping party...what's most important is that we receive your gift(s) before the pickup date!
How should I label my gift(s)? Can I write a card?
Please label your gift tags clearly with the Little's name & age. We leave it to you to say who it's from (yourself, UTM, Santa, etc.).
And of course, you're more than welcome to write a card!
When is the deadline?
- The deadline to drop off your gift(s) is Monday, December 2.
- The deadline to make an online donation is Friday, December 6.
When is BBBS coming to pick up the gifts? Am I allowed to come?
Absolutely! We'd love to take a UTM Santa group photo together. The team will share more details closer to the date, but BBBS pickup is on Wednesday, December 4th.
I want to buy a gift, but there are no more Littles left. What do I do?
Not to worry! We are in constant contact with BBBS, so when the list gets low we request a new batch of wishes. We keep track of who hasn't been able to pick a Little, which is why it's important to let us know that you wish to sign up. :)
I'd like to donate online. What does the money go towards?
Great question! Most of the online donations will go toward gift cards for the Littles & their families, as well as various treats & stocking stuffers.
Do I get a tax receipt if I donate online?
Yes, a donation of at least $20 is required to obtain a tax receipt.
Testimonials from BBBS Peel | York
Here are some past testimonials from both families and BBBS staff:
2023
Thank you and your team so much for everything that was done to ensure such a successful Make A wish Toy Drive!! While the gifts fit nicely into two cars it was amazing how the wrapped parcels filled our office so quickly. Our staff are thrilled to see so many so packages and are readying for pickups and deliveries. Please know there was a little over $1000.00 in cash donations that we will be turning into gift cards and sharing with our families.
As I mentioned the need is really evident this year. Today I had two emails from families no longer in our programs but remembering support given in the past reaching out for help. It is real tough year for a lot of people so thank you for the kindness extended to our children and youth. There will be lots of smiles for sure.
Thanks again and have a good week and wonderful holiday season. Thank you for sharing the photos, we will post. Merry Christmas to everyone!
On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York, we would like to share our heartfelt gratitude for the donation of gifts towards the 2023 Holiday Giving Program. As you know many of our families experience hardships that often make the holidays difficult and stressful, but with your help we brought some joy and smiles to those who appreciate such kindness. Everyone’s generosity inspires us and truly helps to make a positive impact on the children and youth in our mentoring programs.
This has saved me indescribable hardships and heartbreak, I cannot express my personal appreciation enough! The beautifully wrapped gifts has my home and heart filled with happiness and high spirits to excel through the season with complete joy! Thank you to each and every individual for all the remarkable things you do to restore hope in our community!
Thank you for the gifts and support for my children, I truly do appreciate it more than you know, you have no idea the relief and the pressure you’ve taken off my head!!! I am living off my credit cards right now because I lost my work from home job and I am currently trying to find one part-time to work from home but it is extremely difficult. Thank you so much to all the generous donors. Have a fantastic day!!!
Words cannot describe how grateful I am. I was honored and fortunate to be able to share the gifts with my children. This is the best Christmas gift and I want to say a big Thank you to everyone that donated and contributed in anyway.
2021
I wanted to once again extend our gratitude and thanks to everyone who supported the Make a Wish campaign during the Holiday 2021 Drive. We were able to help almost 200 deserving children in our programs through the generosity of our donors. Your gifts, gift cards and cash donations added to other donations we received made a big difference. Thank you and the UTM team for bringing smiles to so many children.
“Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping my family this Christmas. We are extremely grateful!”
“Thank you for the card and gifts. Maybe someday I can meet you.”
“Thank you very much for the gifts. When we opened the packages we were very surprised & happy. You are very generous.”
*****
There is a new total and it is now $1,360.00!
Thank you to everyone for their generous support. This year is proving to be exceptionally difficult for many so the support we have been able to share is heartwarming.
Thanks again to you and your great team!!
*****
The amount was amazing……$1,208!!
Lots of gift cards purchased.
THANK YOU
*****
Your team outdid yourselves this year with 77 gifts and $848.00 in cash donations!! There will be so many happy children this year and so many relieved parents.
I have been an elf since I picked up the generous donation yesterday. We have been purchasing gift cards, adding socks and candy to bags and readying for the curb side pick up tomorrow.
It will be a great day seeing the smiles and hearing the gratitude and thankfulness from our parents.
This could not have happened without all your efforts. Thank you for coordinating this giving event.
2020
Well the totals are in and the 45 staff who identified themselves as UTM staff donated $2,886.00!!
Thank you for coordinating the drive this year. Please know I spoke to and handed off a number of the gift cards to thankful parents and deserving youth. Thank you for brightening the year for many. This really made a big difference to so many who otherwise may go without. Everyone’s generosity, kindness and caring is much appreciated.
2019
It was amazing how all the gifts transformed our office into a Christmas Wonderland. Our staff are busy contacting parents so we can get the gifts distributed. Thanks for continuing to support the children and youth in our programs. The 125 gifts look amazing and will be loved by each recipient.
Big Brothers Big sisters of Peel feels very lucky to have been the recipient of this kindness and generosity. Thank you to everyone for sharing the spirit of the holidays with the youth in our programs!!
Other questions? Contact us:
Clerissa Albores, Program Assistant, MMPA
KN 2202
clerissa.albores@utoronto.ca
905-569-4941
Ryan Cerrudo, Communications Officer, IMI
KN 2252
r.cerrudo@utoronto.ca
905-569-4951
Sarah Iarrobino, Department Administrator and Assistant, Management
KN 230
sarah.iarrobino@utoronto.ca
Sarah Ogbiti, Events Coordinator, IMI
KN 2252
sarah.ogbiti@utoronto.ca
437-215-2747
Other charitable initiatives at UTM
Interested in donating to other causes? There are plenty of great initiatives on campus - please check them out!
UTM Library Mitten Tree in support of Embrave
- Donations accepted until Jan 10, 2025
- Email Mai Lu for more info
A Mitten Tree is like a Christmas tree, but instead of decorating the tree with ornaments, we decorate it with winter accessories such as scarves, hats, and mittens/gloves. We have a box under the tree to collect donations of non-perishable foods.
Donation criteria:
- Winter accessories may include scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, etc.
- New condition only
- Items may be for adults or children
- Hand-made donations (knitted, crocheted, etc.) are welcome
- Non-perishable foods
We deliver the winter accessories and donated food to Embrave in two batches: one before the winter break and one after the winter break. Embrave (formerly Interim Place), an organization that supports women and families leaving abusive situations. Embrave is inclusive of all women, two-spirit, trans and non-binary people facing violence and their children; supports are provided to survivors with or without children.
Please join us in supporting our community this holiday season! The Mitten Tree will remain up and donations accepted until Jan 10, 2025. You can drop off donations at the Library’s Information and Loans desk.
UTM Arts & Crafts Silent Auction in support of United Way
- All items should be submitted by Thursday, November 14 to KN1270
- Items will be displayed and sold at the Annual Principal’s Holiday Reception, Thursday Nov 28th
- Click here to email Tara Fader
Photos with Santa in support of United Way
- December 2nd, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- Email Shanzey Ahmed for more info
We are excited to announce that Santa Mark Overton will be joining us for a special photo session on December 2nd, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some festive memories, so be sure to mark your calendars! The funds raised during this time will go towards United Way Greater Toronto for local poverty alleviation initiatives.
Location: To Be Confirmed
We will provide more details about the location soon. In the meantime, please save the date and we can't wait to see you there with your biggest smiles and holiday spirit!
UTM Book Sale in support of United Way
- TBA
Have a charity you'd like us to add? Just let us know!