Donations Make Holidays Brighter for Families

By Ron Fanfair

Ron Fanfair

Writer/Photographer

12 Division
41 Division

Paralyzed after suffering a medical episode that resulted in a traffic collision last April, Michael Rivera was one of four people who received $600 for a shopping spree at Canadian Tire on Eglinton Ave. E. on December 18 thanks to a police-community partnership.

“It makes life a little easier,” said the 37-year-old, who is confined to a wheelchair. “Christmas is a time when most people are happy. Money is tight in our household and I appreciate Toronto Police for doing their part to bring some joy to my household.”

Rivera and his wife have two kids, ages three and one.

Group of people
Canadian Tire Eglinton East Franchise Owner Steven McCarthy (left), Michael Rivera, Constable Jennifer Dekezel (second from right)l, Sergeant Juan Quijada-Manca (right) with TPS members and Canadian Tire staff Photo: Ron Fanfair

Sergeant Juan Quijada-Manca and his 12 Division Neighbourhood Community Officers nominated Rivera for the shopping spree, after officers in the Division responded to the call.

“Given the circumstances, we could not have thought of a better person,” said Quijada-Manca. “This was a hardworking citizen whose life changed drastically after that collision.”

Three other families, also chosen by Neighbourhood Community Officers, received $600 for a shopping spree at the Scarborough store.

In addition to the families, New Visions, United Mothers Opposing Violence Everywhere (UMOVE), the Massey Centre for Women and Girls Will Be Girls received $1,000 for a shopping spree.

Toronto Police Service collaborated with Canadian Tire and other community agencies for the annual event.

Constable Jennifer Dekezel has coordinated the initiative for the last 17 years.

Superintendent Warren Wilson acknowledged Dekezel and Canadian Tire.

“Canadian Tire has been a great partner,” said the 41 Division Unit Commander. “This a wonderful day for the families and we are happy to be part of this initiative spearheaded by Jennifer, who is a true champion of people in need.”

Canadian Tire Franchise Owner Steven McCarthy matched donations collected at the store for the shopping spree through donations by shoppers.

“We are blessed to be in a position where we can help out,” he said. “This has been a tough year for a lot of people, and it is nice to collaborate with Toronto Police and others to bring some cheer to families at this time of year.”

Donations were also made by: the Toronto Police Association ($2,000), Jim Demetriou ($1,000) and the Toronto Police South Asian Internal Support Network ($500).

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