Car Nation Cares Toy Drive 2025: $10,000 for MacKids, Thousands of Gifts, and a Thank-You From Burlington’s Mayor!
At Car Nation Cares, we believe charity is strongest when it’s consistent—when it becomes a habit, not a headline.
That’s why our annual McMaster Children’s Hospital Toy Drive matters so much to our team. It’s one of the most important ways we support local kids and families during the holidays—and in 2025, the community showed up in a big way.
On December 16, 2025, the Car Nation Canada Group announced a $10,000 donation to MacKids, supporting McMaster Children’s Hospital’s annual Toy Drive. The campaign also generated a major collection of new toys, pajamas, and gift cards donated by customers, staff, and local partners.
And the very next day—December 17, 2025—we received an incredible note of thanks from the Office of Mayor Marianne Meed Ward recognizing the fundraiser and our commitment to supporting families in the Burlington community.
Key Takeaways
The 2025 Toy Drive included a $10,000 donation to MacKids supporting McMaster Children’s Hospital.
Donations included toys, pajamas, and gift cards, collected across the Burlington-area community.
Community drop-off locations helped make giving easy in Burlington, Waterdown, Ancaster, and Oakville.
Burlington’s Mayor’s Office recognized the fundraiser with a thank-you message.
What Is Car Nation Cares?
Car Nation Cares exists to focus our giving—so our charitable work stays organized, consistent, and meaningful.
Our parent brand, Car Nation Canada, was built around the 3 C’s:
Community
Customer Service
Charity
For our founders, Rick and Michelle Paletta, those aren’t just values on a wall. They’re a guide for how we hire, how we treat people, how we grow, and how we give back—right here in the Burlington/Hamilton region. This year we had two great companies support our cause, ASL Disribution and Peach Coffee Company. Their support is invaluable, and hope we can work together with them on future charitable campaigns.
Why We Support McMaster Children’s Hospital and MacKids
McMaster Children’s Hospital isn’t “just” a hospital in Hamilton. It’s a lifeline for families across South Central Ontario—supporting pediatric care, equipment, research, and family-centred programs.
MacKids is the fundraising team connected with McMaster Children’s Hospital, helping raise funds that support pediatric priorities and care.
When you donate to MacKids—whether it’s $20, a toy, or a full community campaign—you’re supporting care that reaches far beyond one postal code.
The 2025 Toy Drive Results: $10,000 Donated + A Wave of Holiday Giving
This year’s drive reminds us why community-based campaigns work:
People want to help
They just need a clear “how”
And they need to trust the mission
In addition to the $10,000 donation, the Toy Drive brought in a strong mix of:
New toys (for babies, kids, and teens), thanks to help from ASL Distribution and Peach Coffee Company
Warm pajamas (a surprisingly high-need item)
Gift cards (flexible and practical for care teams and families)
Our Car Nation Cares “Youth Support” page reflects how this annual drive has grown year after year—becoming a tradition our team and community look forward to.
Making It Easy to Donate: Local Drop-Offs With Peach Coffee Co.
Holiday schedules are busy. That’s why accessible drop-off locations made a big difference this year.
Unique Chrysler’s Toy Drive page shared the 2025 drop-off approach, including Peach Coffee Co. locations across:
Waterdown
Ancaster
Oakville
…and our Burlington showrooms as donation points.
When giving is simple, more people participate—and more kids benefit.
A Decade of Support, Including a Special Request That Still Makes Us Smile
Our relationship with McMaster Children’s Hospital goes back years.
About a decade ago, the hospital had a special request: a new fleet of patient transport carts—small push-along cars used to move patients through the hospital. We were proud to step in and help make that happen, with Car Nation Canada branding as a reminder that the community was behind those kids.
It’s a perfect example of what we try to do through Car Nation Cares:
respond to real needs,
support practical solutions,
and stay involved beyond one-time donations.
Recognition From Burlington’s Mayor: Why It Meant So Much
We don’t do charity for recognition—but we won’t pretend it isn’t meaningful when community leaders notice local giving.
The Office of Mayor Marianne Meed Ward sent a note congratulating everyone involved and thanking the team and partners for supporting MacKids and Burlington families during the holiday season. Mayor contact details are published through City of Burlington channels, and it’s a reminder that community support is something our city values and encourages.
We’re grateful—and we share that gratitude with every customer, donor, partner, and team member who helped.
How to Help Kids in Hospital During the Holidays (And All Year)
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I want to help next time,” here are a few simple ways to make a real impact:
Donate a new, unwrapped toy (age-appropriate options matter—teens are often overlooked)
Include practical comfort items like pajamas
Give gift cards when you’re unsure what’s needed most
Organize a workplace mini-drive (one small office can generate dozens of gifts)
Follow hospital donation guidelines for drop-off timing and safety
Hamilton Health Sciences also shares reminders and instructions for gift donations and drop-offs, helping protect patients and hospital staff. Hamilton Health Sciences
Conclusion: Charity Is One of Our “C’s” for a Reason
Car Nation Cares is proud to support McMaster Children’s Hospital and MacKids—because local kids deserve world-class care, and families deserve community support when they’re going through the hardest days.
To everyone who donated, shared the campaign, or encouraged someone else to participate: thank you.
If you’d like to be involved in our next Toy Drive—or learn more about how we support youth and families in our region—follow along here on the Car Nation Cares blog.
FAQ
What is the Car Nation Cares Toy Drive?
It’s our annual community campaign supporting McMaster Children’s Hospital through toy, pajama, gift card collection—and fundraising support via MacKids.
What is MacKids?
MacKids supports pediatric priorities connected to McMaster Children’s Hospital through fundraising.
Where were 2025 donation drop-offs located?
Drop-offs were available through participating community locations in Burlington-area communities, including Peach Coffee Co. locations and Burlington showrooms.
Where is McMaster Children’s Hospital?
McMaster Children’s Hospital is located at 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton. Hamilton Health Sciences
How can I donate outside the Toy Drive season?
MacKids and Hamilton Health Sciences share ongoing initiatives and guidance for supporting pediatric care beyond seasonal campaigns.
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