Welcome Hall Mission hosts annual toy giveaway in Montreal
Posted November 29, 2025 5:20 pm.
Last Updated November 29, 2025 5:41 pm.
It’s already the most wonderful time of the year in Saint-Henri borough in Montreal, with Welcome Hall Mission’s annual toy giveaway happening on Saturday and Sunday, helping serve families in need in the city.
“The families who come to this event are families who are struggling to make ends meet. And so these are families that come regularly to our free grocery stores, either here in St. Henri or in Montreal North,” said Sam Watts, the President & CEO of Welcome Hall Mission.
“The difference that we really want to make is to make sure that they have a fun and enjoyable holiday period, complete with a holiday experience. So it’s not just toys that we’re giving out, it’s also the experience of a holiday.”
Adding, “I think it’s important for all of us to get in the Christmas spirit and that’s what we’re doing with the Mission.”
Over the weekend, two thousand children explored Santa’s workshop, chose their own gifts, and took part in a special mission to redesign Santa’s sleigh, with the support of 200 volunteers.
“Santa needs to modernize his sleigh this year because he’s got so many children to visit all over the world, and he needs to do it with greater speed. And so they’re creating a situation where they can go and meet Santa and show him how he could slightly redesign his sleigh,” said Watts.
Oluwabukola Adesola, an attendee, said, “All the kids chose by themselves. They took what they wanted, you know. My son took a gun. I’m sure I’m going to have a blast at home now.”
Sunday, Montreal Alouettes’ linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, defensive linemen Josh Archibald and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund will be on hand to help give away toys.
