Gardex Chemicals hosts 3rd annual toy and food drive

Donations collected during Gardex Chemicals’ third annual food and toy drive. PHOTO: GARDEX CHEMICALS

Toronto, Canada-based Gardex Chemicals recently hosted its third annual toy and food drive in support of a local shelter serving women in need of a safe space to live.

In 2021, Karen Furgiuele-Percy, president of Gardex Chemicals, started supporting the shelter with donations coming from pest management professionals (PMPs), suppliers and Gardex Chemicals staff across Canada. Furgiuele-Percy had the idea to start a toy and food drive to help these families and to allow the children to have nutritious food and gifts for the holidays.

The families are housed at various locations that require a wide range of needs. Many of these women have children to care for, with ages ranging from newborns to teenagers.

According to the news release, the families are housed “at various locations that require a wide range of needs. Many of these women have children to care for, with ages ranging from newborns to teenagers… The support shown throughout the past few years has been incredible. This year has been especially important to give back as the demand for food has risen exponentially, especially with the pressures of COVID-19 still present.”

Dozens of pest control companies and suppliers contributed to the drive with toys, gift cards or generous cash and food donations. Gardex staff also generously contributed in the spirit of giving to others that are in need. Gardex also donated gift cards for each woman living at the shelter, according to the news release.

“The 2023 holiday season has certainly brought out the spirit of giving and supporting each other in these difficult times,” Furgiuele-Percy said in the news release. “We are delighted at the support shown for the Third Annual Toy Drive.”

All the toys and food items collected at Gardex Chemicals were taken to the shelter this week.