Project Hope Brings Holiday Joy to Newcomer Families in Regent Park

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The 4th Annual Project Hope Christmas Toy Drive brought joy and support to over 200 newcomer kids and their families in Regent Park, marking their first holiday season in Canada. The day began with volunteers and officers gathering at 51 Division before heading to Daniels Spectrum, where the Ada Slaight Hall Auditorium was filled with toys, gift boxes, and winter clothing. From 1 PM to 3:30 PM, the team worked to create a heartwarming celebration for the families. Project Hope is led by dedicated officers like Constables Mustafa Popalzai, Farzad Ghotbi, and Mircea Biga. Both Ghotbi and Popalzai, themselves former refugees, bring a personal understanding of the challenges newcomers face. Ghotbi, a founding member of Project Hope, reflected on his journey from Iran to Canada and expressed gratitude for Regent Park's ongoing support. Since 2021, Project Hope has grown into a GTA-wide initiative, collecting over $1.2 million in in-kind donations with contributions from police, community members, and businesses. Events like this showcase Regent Park’s welcoming spirit and its vibrant, multicultural community, making it a beacon of hope and kindness for newcomers starting fresh in Canada.

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