Santa Claus and the Toronto Raptors mascot were greeted by the children gathered at the annual Advocate for Etobicoke Youth’s (AFEY’s) annual Children’s Christmas party which was held at the Woodbine Banquet Hall in Etobicoke on Saturday evening.

Three hundred children from the north Etobicoke area received gifts from the jolly fellow in the red suit who came with their parents; the families were treated to a delicious meal.

Then, on leaving, each child was presented a bag filled with goodies.

Toronto lawyer Dhaman Kissoon, the co-founder of AFEY, said this year’s party was “the first coming out of COVID and the organization was pleased with the response.”

“In the past we have had up to 1,000 people present,” he noted.

“We are thankful that we can give back to the community,” he added.

Kissoon also thanked the Woodbine Banquet Hall for hosting the event, which is a partnership between local businesses. The Toronto Police Service and the Brampton Flower City Rotary club is a testament to the continued strong relationship built to give back to the community.

This year’s event was held under the leadership of Dhaman Kissoon and Superintendent Ron Taverner.