The annual Barrie Toy Tea is back for another season to support children in the community during Christmas.
Committee member Angela Baldwin says the purpose is for people to attend and bring toys or gifts for children under the care of Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC).
"We also have a raffle where the money goes to Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka," adds Baldwin. "The feature is a fashion show with 12 local retailers where fashion is featured for men, women and children."
Baldwin says the Tea Party has deep roots that go back over a decade when it was held in people's houses with the purpose of women getting together to raise money for toys, then a fashion show was added and it got bigger and bigger.
The organizers are grateful that Georgian BMW/MINI on Essa Road has stepped up to the plate again to host the event.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of sponsors and attendees, nearly $15,000 in unwrapped toys, gift cards and financial donations were collected, and since the Tea Party began, $125,000 has been raised for SMFC and Gilda's Club.
Baldwin says for many participants, the Tea Party is their favourite event of the year.
"It's just so positive because it's so much about community," she notes. "For those in attendance and for us that organize the event, we have this great feeling that we know those kids are going to get something under the tree and their Christmas is going to be a little more joyous as a result."
The Tea Party is on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a noon fashion show.
No registration is required.
Baldwin says the only thing they ask is that you bring an unwrapped toy or gift card, or make a donation at the event for either charity.
Banner image: Tea Party committee member Angela Baldwin (picture supplied)
