Archway prepares for annual Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast

ABBOTSFORD – Archway is preparing for its 14th Annual Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast later this month. 

Hundreds get together every year for a festive kickoff of the holiday season in support of the Archway Food Bank’s Christmas Bureau program. 

The initiative helps ensure families in need can experience the joy of the holiday season. 

In a news release, Rebecca Thuro, manager of food security programs at Archway, estimates the program will provide gifts for more than 1500 children, 750 teens and 280 seniors this year, along with the ingredients to make a traditional Christmas dinner. 

“With demand for support continuing to grow, we are seeing more families having to turn to programs like ours during the holidays,” said Thuro.  

“The Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast is about more than gifts and donations. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and ensuring that everyone in our community experiences the joy, warmth, and connection that make this time of year so meaningful.” 

Guests who bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation will be treated to a complimentary breakfast while taking in some festive entertainment from Ryan McAllister, Joe Paul Gundrum, and the Abby Senior Secondary Drumline.  

Princesses, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also be there and comedian Cliff Prang will return as emcee. 

The event will be held Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre.

The Christmas Bureau toy room opens November 30 and all the toys donated at the breakfast will go directly to stocking the shelves that are currently empty.  

Archway provided the comments of a local mother who needs assistance this Christmas.  “This is the first time in my life I have ever needed help.  I’m a mother with disabilities parenting solo, raising two kids with disabilities and due to the cost of living, I don’t have a lot of money for anything extra,” she said in a news release. 

“I had to hold back tears of joy and relief when I walked into the beautifully decorated toy room and saw the generosity of the community and interacted with the lovely volunteers.”  

For those unable to attend the breakfast, financial donations can be made online at AbbotsfordFoodBank.com/t4tdonate, and toy donations can be dropped off at the Archway Food Bank during regular weekday hours, or at participating locations across Abbotsford.  

For more information including suggested gift ideas and drop-off locations, please visit AbbyToysforTots.ca. 

Ryan McAllister performing at the 2025 Archway Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast (Image Credit: Archway)