Toys For Toddlers - 2012

In the human mosaic of Burnaby, a square dance club, the Chuckwagon 8's has over the years, contributed much to the betterment  of the community. Initiated in 1992 by then members Paul and Mary Florio, the first fund raising dance for Toys For Toddlers, was held December 12, 1992 for the cost of then a looney and  an unwrapped toy.  Since then through the square and round dance movement well over $50,000 in toys and cash has been raised for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau by the Chuckwagons.

This year on December 1, our twenty-first fundraiser occurred.  Caller Ray Brendzy has been the constant. Year after year he has volunteered his considerable talents. Other talents in the forms of Brent Mawdsley, Alison Hampton and Marg Beatty along with guest callers from different clubs have done wonders to make a magical evening. This year as well a member of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, Stephen D'Souza volunteered his time to give thanks.

An R.V. group called the Roadrunners, consisting of members from various square dance clubs make it a yearly mission to raise funds. One such event was buying insurance so that a toilet seat that was to be auctioned, by force if necessary, was not yours to get and yours to figure out a way to pass on.

Other contributors are Club members themselves who through 50/50 draws guarantee $500 cash. A patron saint of the toys dance regularly writes a cheque for $500 that is to be directly spent for toys by Marj Staples, and Karen Dobson, ruthless shoppers par none. They also collect Canadian Tire dollars for the cause.

Mando and Mary Decario of the Chuckwagon's have, along with other constants, too many to acknowledge, been reliable workers for the evening. They have stayed to the end of dances, collected and delivered toys to the Bureau. And as a sideline it is also good that beyond tots, some are now giving for teenage needs. Anyway, Mando stated that in the past when he arrived, sometimes later than usual because the fundraiser dates vary, he was told, "Thank you, thank you. We wondered if you would appear and if your event was still ongoing. The need is there."

My mother used to say, tongue in cheek, "It is better to receive than to give." but …. She was right. What we receive from the evening is more than what is given.

Barry Bentley

(via email)