Richard Vanderhaegue was born and raised in Pembroke, Ontario.
He says his main inspiration for getting into fundraising was his mom, who ran several charitable organizations in Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley, and was awarded the Order of Canada for her tireless efforts.
After moving to Niagara, Richard eventually became involved with “Toys for Tots” in Welland, as the entertainment co-ordinator for the annual event. As the event organizer for the annual Toys for Tots Concert in Welland, Richard and a group of volunteers work each year to ensure no child goes without a gift on Christmas morning. The concert, started by the late Rosie Smith and former CHOW radio station, now Giant FM, has been taking place for well over 30 years.
Richard says toys can be for boys or girls from toddlers on up to tweens, and once they are all collected, they are given to the City of Welland’s Community Christmas Toy Program. That program then distributes the toys to those in need in the community. Richard calls the event “ a family tradition”, and says that not only are over 1,000 quality toys brought in each year, but cash and food donations are collected as well.
To learn more about Richard and his story, click the link below.
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