HAMILTON, Ont. – The Mohawk Mountaineers' annual Bernetta Scime Holiday Toy Drive wrapped up Tuesday with 207 toys donated to BGC Hamilton-Halton.

This year's total marks the Mountaineers' highest collection since 2022. Over the last five years, the toy drive has gathered more than 700 toys, all donated to local organizations to ensure children and families in need receive a special gift during the holiday season.

"The community support we received this year was tremendous," said Ashley Mamone, manager of athletics and recreation. "Our student-athletes really came together to champion the toy drive, spreading the word and assisting with donations. Their efforts played a major role in reaching the milestone of more than 200 toy donations, and we're grateful to everyone who helped support BGC Hamilton-Halton."

On Tuesday, 15 student-athletes packaged the toys and helped prepare them for delivery to BGC Hamilton-Halton.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Mohawk Mountaineers for their generous donation of toys this holiday season," said Milja Minic, chief operating officer at BGC Hamilton-Halton. "Their support ensures that children and youth in our programs not only feel celebrated, but also connected to a caring community that believes in them. The Mountaineers' ongoing partnership continues to create meaningful opportunities for our members and their families, and we are proud to work alongside such dedicated community champions."

BGC Hamilton-Halton is a leading provider of accessible, affordable and reliable programs for children, youth, adults and families, offering transformative experiences focused on learning and skill development.

The Holiday Toy Drive honours Bernetta Scime, a Mountaineers Hall of Famer who spent more than 35 years supporting Mohawk student-athletes in various roles within the athletics department, and who spearheaded the annual toy drive. Although retired, Scime continues to contribute to the Mountaineers community.