Toronto police officers bring good cheer and gifts to hundreds of newcomers with Project Hope
Two Toronto police officers are continuing a tradition of giving away toys, warm clothing and cheer to hundreds of newcomers this holiday season.
At a giveaway in Mississauga Monday, inside Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services, 250 people, mostly children, received gifts. This year, they expect to help about 2,000 people.
“[It feels] really nice,” said 12-year-old Jeremiah from Ukraine, showing off his new Lego set.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“I love Canada so much, better than my own country. And they are giving everyone toys, and I’m so happy about that,” said 10-year-old Zora from Afghanistan, who was thrilled with her new game of UNO.
Project Hope was created by two Toronto police officers, Det. Const. Mustafa Popalzai, a refugee from Afghanistan, and Const. Farzad Ghotbi, a refugee from Iran.
“The feeling is hard to put into words, but obviously, it’s extremely humbling,” Ghotbi told CTV News Toronto. “I never thought as a refugee I would be standing here before you, that I’m able [to] help some of the families and welcome them and tell them you do have a hope here of a better future.”
Two Toronto police officers are continuing a tradition of giving away toys, warm clothing and cheer to hundreds of newcomers this holiday season. (CTV News Toronto)
This is Project Hope’s third year, realized thanks to donations from corporate sponsors and the work of community volunteers.
On top of bringing happiness and helping provide essential items, Popalzai and Ghotbi aim to share what it means to be Canadian and break down barriers about law enforcement.
“I never trusted police as well, and I never wanted to be a cop when I arrived,” said Popalzai. “It took me about 10 years to interact with officers, and that’s something we want to change; we want to make sure they don’t feel the way I felt. I want to make sure they don’t feel intimidated or scared of police.”
Two Toronto police officers are continuing a tradition of giving away toys, warm clothing and cheer to hundreds of newcomers this holiday season. (CTV News Toronto)
For many families receiving presents, this will be their first Christmas away from home.
“It’s very important because it’s the festive period, and everyone is home. We celebrate Christmas in a grand style,” said Grace, who moved with her two kids from Nigeria in October.
“We enjoy this community and program too much,” said Mohammed, who arrived last month with his wife and child.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.
Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year
Rare is the movie that can ride the line between scatological and sublime, absurdist and acute.