The annual Toys for Tots campaign has received a $20,000 boost from a wave of toy donations from the insurer Aon.

A company spokeswoman said that Aon has supported the campaign for the past 15 years in aid of the Coalition for the Protection of Children’s mission to ensure children have a brighter, more joyful holiday season.

She said: “This year, thanks to more than $20,000 in colleague donations and support from Aon’s charity committee, Santa’s elves did not disappoint.

“They happily cleared the shelves at The Annex Toys in Hamilton’s Phoenix Centre, reliving a bit of their own childhoods as they searched for the perfect gifts for children of all ages.”

The spokeswoman said that in addition to toys, gift certificates were purchased from Speciality Cinema to give families an opportunity to have a fun outing and create special memories.

She added: “Toys for Tots is about more than just handing out gifts. It’s about spreading joy, celebrating the magic of giving, and reminding every child that they truly matter.”

Ryan Davidge, who leads this initiative for Aon, said: “We plant seeds of hope, strengthen community bonds and remind ourselves that when we come together, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”