Abbotsford wrestler Jasmit Singh Phulka’s annual Holiday Toy Drive is back for 2023 and runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2.
The fourth edition of the local fundraiser accepts both monetary contributions and toy donations.
All of the monetary contributions go to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and all the toy donations will be given to the Toys for Tots Archway Christmas Bureau.
The 2023 event has a fundraising goal of $35,000, which would be an increase from the 2022 event that raised $31,727 in cash and toy donations. The inaugural event in 2020 raised over $13,000, with the 2021 edition raising over $20,000.
“Together with my partners Rajin Gill and Gurbaj Gill – two great local realtors who share my commitment to giving back to our community – we would like to express our gratitude for the overwhelming support and contributions we have received in the past,” Phulka stated. “We are optimistic that we can exceed last year’s charitable efforts.”
The 30-year-old Olympic hopeful recently announce that he has joined the RBC Olympians roster as a wrestler. Phulka was also a special guest of the Abbotsford Canucks during Diwali Night on Nov. 4 and was invited to drop the puck for the ceremonial opening face-off.
Some of Phulka’s notable career achievements as a wrestler include: 13 Years on Canada’s national wrestling team, seven years on Canada’s national senior wrestling team, five-time B.C. high School provincial medallist (two gold, two silver and one bronze), 12-time Canada nationals medallist (four gold, seven silver and one bronze), five-time Canada world team trials champion, 2023 Senior Pan Am championship silver (79 kilograms) and 2023 Recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Pin.
For more information on the event, visit jasmitphulka.ca/toydrive.