IBAM & SGI CANADA Holiday Toy Drive

This was the 5th year of Holiday Cheer! This year, IBAM & SGI CANADA teamed up to do a holiday toy story contest and toy drive!

During the holiday season, it is fun to look back on time spent with family and memories associated with growing up and celebrating the holidays. For many, this meant getting a gift or toy that carries a special place in your heart today. IBAM and SGI CANADA want you to share your favourite gift or toy story for a chance to win some prizes, and consider joining us in our holiday toy drive to help make someone else's holiday season memorable! 

What we needed from IBAM Members:

First, We asked members to submit a story about the best toy or gift they ever received OR a story about a toy that holds great memories for them. Everyone who submitted a holiday toy story was entered for a chance to win one of six SGI CANADA prizes: three of the prizes will be drawn on week #1 of the promotion, and three prizes that will be drawn on week #2 of the promotion.

Second, IBAM & SGI CANADA invited all brokerages to participate in a holiday toy drive, asking their offices and communities to donate toys for Christmas Cheer Board or their local charity of choice from November 25, 2024-December 9, 2024.

On December 10th, IBAM, the YBN and SGI CANADA delivered as many toy donations as possible to Christmas Cheer Board and rove hampers around for Christmas Cheer Board that evening.

If you would like to participate in Christmas Cheer Board, please click below:

Christmas Cheer Board Website

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Story Submissions

Submission #1

“The Christmas Gift I remember the most was of course my N64 game console. I was so excited when I got it, we set it up that day. My brother and I played games all day together 007, Pokemon Stadium, and Super Smash Brothers. I had that system for many years, and I have so many more fond memories attached to that system.”

 Submission #2

 “I remember a time growing up where my siblings and I would often visit my dad at his fancy office building downtown right on the corner of Portage and Main. I don’t remember why or when this became a usual thing for us- but if I had to guess, it would have something to do with my mom needing to run errands after school and not trusting the four of us to stay home by ourselves. My two sisters, myself, and my older brother frequently got bored and would have to bring books or simply invent new games to play- after all there isn’t much for kids to do in an office building consisting of mostly grey cubicles and high-tech printers. That was until one winter, when our dad showed us what hid inside a room we had never seen before: a shiny new Xbox 360 in the equally shiny and new break room.

That was a game changer for us. Suddenly, we went from asking when we would be going home, to begging to stay for 5 more minutes. Now, this Xbox had everything to keep a kid entertained: RockBand with the proprietary guitars, drums, and mic, Lego Star Wars, and what seemed like a never-ending supply of all the newest games. It was funded by an entire office building after all. The four of us had never experienced anything like it up until this point, after all our parents hadn’t even bought us our first Wii yet. It’s safe to say we all share a lot of fond memories of that place, and we may not have grown up so closely bonded if it weren’t for that Xbox.

So, you can imagine our surprise when next year at Christmas, Santa left us kids our own shiny new Xbox (Rockband drums included) under the tree. We were overjoyed. Sure, it made for some late nights on school days, and some arguments about who’s turn it was, but overall that Xbox 360 was a cornerstone of our childhoods, especially mine.
I actually still have it; the original one we got for Christmas that year. Even as kids we took exceptional care of it. It’s one of my prized possessions and once in a while when I’m feeling nostalgic, I’ll boot it up. After all, it still runs like a charm despite being almost 20 years old. Thanks for the Xbox “Santa”.”

Submission 3:

“My dad gifted me this doll when he was working abroad. I was so thrilled on receiving it . It was so beautiful, dressed in a red jumper suit . And the special thing about it was it laughed when we would clap our hands.

Just to hear it laugh, I used to simply clap and laugh along. It stayed with me for many years and was one of my favourite of all times!”

Submission 4:

“The best Christmas gift every given to me was in the early years of 2004 when I received the infamous & revolutionary concept of a TV that had not only a VHS player in it, but also a DVD player in it as well! This was in fact my first TV I every owned & I still own it in my basement for sentimental reasons. The amount of Barbie movies & Shrek 2 that was played on it could probably equate to years at this point. As you could tell by the given photos, I was super excited to receive it!”

Submission 5:

“Christmas at my Granny & Papa’s place as I was growing up was always special for 1 very simple reason; I could always count on their being a giant pile of presents, but none were more exciting than (and this may seem silly) the cute giant garbage like bag with an animal attached to it that ALWAYS had new bedding waiting for me.”

Submission 6:

“I had a ball once. It wasn’t anything special to anyone else — just a simple, orange basketball. It was worn at the seams, the rubber slightly faded from years of use, but to me, it was priceless.

I remember the first time I held it. I was small, barely able to grip it, but my father tossed it to me with a smile. "Catch," he said, and I fumbled, but I tried again. It didn’t take long before I realized the magic in that ball: how it bounced, how it felt when I dribbled it, the sound it made when it hit the ground. It quickly became my world.

Every afternoon after school, I was out on the driveway, bouncing the ball, trying to make the perfect shot. I spent hours practicing, determined to get better, chasing that elusive swish of the net. It wasn’t just a ball anymore; it was my companion, my coach, my friend.

As the years passed, I joined teams, made friends, and played in tournaments, but that same ball stayed with me. It traveled with me from my childhood home to my college dorm room, and even now, when I see it tucked away in the corner, I smile. It holds memories — of victories, defeats, laughter, and perseverance.

That ball taught me more than how to play basketball. It taught me about dedication, the joy of learning something new, and the importance of never giving up. It was just a toy, but it became my gateway to a lifelong passion, one that will always be part of who I am.”

Submission 7:

“I know I had little kitchen set what my dad gifted me when I was 7 yrs. and I pretended to cook for my dad and making tea in that toy tea set. My dad sips the warm water as tea, now days I’m blessed with 2 daughters and my daughters do the same . It reminds me my childhood and the best relation in the world. I miss my dad, he is in heaven, but I still feel him in my husband when he plays withy my daughters same as me and my dad. This relationship is still continues and we passed the love to our generations.”

Submission 8:

“In our house Santa didn’t wrap his gift – it was left beside the tree to find Christmas morning.  I have a vivid memory of waking up to the coolest Lego castle – it was yellow and had little lego army men on horses, a draw bridge and everything.  My dad stayed up most of the nite putting it all together for us! 40+ years later I still have the set.  Christmas is so magical!”

Submission 9:

“My favorite toy growing up was a gloworm that I named Friend. I used to rub my nose on the tag until it wore down to a string. After some wear he eventually lost his nightcap and became bald, but I loved him all the same. After the lightup feature no longer worked I would hide other toys inside of his head/zippered back.

Now that I have my own kids, they have been gifted similar gloworms and we now have a little gloworm family!”

Submission 10:

"Growing up with three brothers, there was never a dull moment in our house, especially because we were all huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans. With four Turtles and four brothers, it was a perfect fit—we each claimed our character and lived out epic adventures for hours on end. I proudly took on the role of Leonardo, leading our imaginary missions with my plastic katanas and a lot of enthusiasm.

One Christmas, there was one gift we all had our eyes on: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Original Party Wagon. This wasn’t just any toy; it was the ultimate ride for taking down Shredder and his goons in style. From the Foot Tenderizer weapon to the Whacko bombs, it was every TMNT fan’s dream. We hoped Santa might deliver it but didn’t dare get our hopes too high—our parents weren’t wealthy, and shared gifts were a practical and meaningful tradition in our family.

That Christmas morning, there it was under the tree—a vibrant yellow Party Wagon with a note from Santa commending us for sharing and looking out for one another all year. The joy in that moment was indescribable. We played with that Party Wagon endlessly.

The Party Wagon wasn’t just a toy; it was a symbol of our bond as brothers and a reminder of the thoughtful sacrifices our parents made to give us a magical childhood. Even today, I can’t think about it without a smile!”

Submission 11:

“One of my post precious , lasting and funny memories is the year I received a melodica for Christmas!  I must have been about 8 years old.  From the very first time I played a tune on it my Gordon Setter dog “Mac” was hooked.  He would just lift up his head and howl, very tunefully actually! He was quite musically inclined and would also sing when the ice cream van (don’t forget, I’m from England) would drive past our house with the music playing.

I am quite sure, if cell phones had been around back then, he would have been an internet sensation, he was one funny dog.”

Submission 12:

“I don't have this toy anymore or pictures of it. But, it was a toy I remember forever and I gave lots of similar ones to others too so many times.

In China, every June 1st is International Children's Day for all kids who are 12 years old or under. It is a day off for all Elementary Schools. That was my last Children's Day when I was 12 years old. My uncles, unties from different families with my cousins went to the Zoo on that day. There are so many stories of selling toys and souvenirs outside the Zoo. Adults offered to buy a toy for each kid. I picked up the stuffed animal which is the elephant. I remember one ear is a small mirror, and another ear makes a squeezing sound when you press it. I found a picture which looks similar but mine was much cutter.

My hometown and city are famous because of Panda. I have loved Panda since I was a little kid. I don’t know why I chose that elephant but not a panda 30 years ago. I know I love it, played it for so many years, and cried so badly when I lost it.

I think playing with the elephant made me feel like a baby again, maybe. I didn’t want to grow older to be a teenager and to be an adult when I had my last Children’s Day. This toy could be enough childish for me. I am a mom of 2 girls. Guess What? They had a similar one when they were baby and we still have it. We have lots of fun and great memories.  

Every year, when our family prepare a Christmas shoebox or Hamper for others, we always choose some lovely toys for others. We always have fun choosing toys and imagining the happiness of others who play with them. Everyone needs a toy regardless of age or gender.

Happy Holidays to ALL!”

Submission 13:

“The infamous tickle me Elmo from the 90’s. My parents looked high and low for this toy and found one! People were desperate for this toy offering thousands for it. My parents did not give it up though because they thought it would make me so happy, and it did.

To this day we still have it and now it is one of my kid’s favorite toys to play with when they are over at my parents. This toy has stood the test of time and has a fun story.”

Submission 14:

“The best Christmas present I received was my grandmother’s kitchen clock repaired. It was not a fancy clock – probably the cheapest one at the time she bought it. I inherited the clock, but unfortunately it eventually fell off my wall and broke into several pieces. I was devastated. I put it in a bag and sadly tucked it away.  For Christmas, my husband repaired the clock! He had taken it to a gentleman who showed him how to glue it back together with such precision you can barely tell it was broken.  Best gift ever.”

Submission 15:

“I remember my 7th birthday I received a “Walking Doll”. She went with me everywhere. But I was disappointed that she did not walk on her own as the box said.  Even so, it was the best gift ever. I still have it to this day with all the hair intact.”

Submission 16:

“Back in the 1970’s it was quite common for us to meet in a restaurant setting for our annual Broesky Christmas gathering.  My Dad was one of 16 kids so for the ones that were in the area it was always wonderful chaos and someone was always in trouble! 

One particular year, I remember being in a restaurant that had an upstairs where we were to eat and mingle and had plenty of room to run around.  There was a Christmas tree in the center and there were presents and one of them was for me!  Santa showed up to hand them out (understand this was an extremely RARE occurrence in my family!) and when I was watching my cousins open theirs there was quite a bit of disappointment as they were just items such as balloons, toy car, a small confectionery treat, plastic doll, yoyo, a school supply of a sort and the like.  Nothing spectacular.

When I opened my gift I was shocked to see a shiny red wallet!  It was pretty grown-up for an eight year old and to top it off it had an attached change purse with a gold clasp.  When I opened it, I was thrilled to see that there was an attached teeny tiny notepad with a very teeny tiny pencil that had its own little place as well.  For me this was very fancy and drew a lot of oohs and aahs from my jealous cousins.  When I started looking through the compartments, there was quite the variety of fake credit cards and id cards.  When I looked into the wallet portion there was actual fake money.  I couldn’t believe that Santa had given ME this very special gift compared to all the others.  I must be the most special!

When I saw this “toy story” request this is the first thing that came to mind.  I have not thought of that day for many years so it was nice to walk down memory lane a bit.  I just remember how I felt that day and I am sure I strutted around with a puffed up chest for the entire evening showing off that I must be Santa’s favourite.

I never knew what happened to that red wallet in my later years but I do know that I later found out that all the moms had actually purchased small gifts so that each child had a special token from Santa with their candy cane.  I don’t think I have ever told my Mom how special that wallet made me feel that day.  I will tell her when I share my gift basket.”

Submission 17:

“My all-time favorite toy was a gift at Christmas MANY years ago, was a cabbage patch doll. My sister and I each got one and it was the year where there was a cabbage patch CRAZE going on so my mom had to fight the crowds and long line-ups to get one for each of us. What made it even more special was that my grandma made all the clothes for the cabbage patch dolls (the clothing tags all said "made with love from Grandma"). We played with those cabbage patch dolls for many years!”

Submission 18:

“My most memorable gift is the year that my Mom & Dad became apart of the cabbage patch frenzy(Yes I am dating myself).  Not just any cabbage patch doll would do my parents wanted to find one that had red hair just like me so that I had a doll with my same red hair.  When I was younger I was self-conscious about my red hair because no one else that I knew had read hair and my parents wanted to make sure that I had a friend with that same hair colour.  To this day I still have and cherish that doll. “

 Thank you for the wonderful stories and for your participation!

Winners of the Toy Story Contest:

• Brittney
• Sam
• Justine
• Kim
• Shannon
• Tannis

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Holiday Toy Drive Winners:

 

Thank you for your generosity and participation!