NEWS

Guys Night Out is for the kids

Attention men of Leaside. If you’re free Thursday night and want to brighten a child’s holiday, the Leaside Pub would like to invite you out for a pint.

On Dec. 8 the neighbourhood institution will be hosting its 13th annual Toy Drive and Guys Night Out, an evening of food, drink, and fundraising for a good cause: Delivering toys to children in need in nearby Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park.

“We’ve gone to all the local merchants and have tonnes of stuff for a live auction, silent auction, a raffle, 50/50,” co-organizer Michael Zivot says. Past prizes have included such items as Maple Leaf tickets, catered dinners, and grocery shopping sprees.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or $20 — preferably the $20, Zivot says, since the organizers have partnered with a distributor who can use it to buy multiple toys wholesale.

The organizers then deliver the toys to the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office or nearby schools. Last year they delivered 2,500 toys to children in the community.

“It’s a great way to have fun and make a difference,” Zivot says.

This year’s Guys Night Out begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Leaside Pub on 190 Laird Dr.