Toys for Tots marks 40 years of supporting Metro Vancouver families in need

BURNABY, BC – TransLink’s iconic holiday rides are back and ready to sprinkle some festive cheer throughout Metro Vancouver. The brightly decorated Reindeer Bus fleet — complete with antlers and red noses — enters service today, and the West Coast Express Santa Train is scheduled to run over two weekends in December.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Toys for Tots, the long-standing tradition started in 1985 by a group of Bus Operators. Since then, it has grown and employees from Coast Mountain Bus Company, BC Rapid Transit Company, HandyDART, West Vancouver Transit, Transit Police, and TransLink offices have helped deliver more than 103,300 presents and over $59,000 to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.

"When a Reindeer Bus pulls up to your stop, it's impossible not to smile," says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "As we celebrate 40 years of Toys for Tots, our teams are ready to deliver even more holiday magic across Metro Vancouver, and I encourage you to help carry that spirit by making a donation to the important charities that serve families in need."

Whether you’re hoping to spot Rudolph, Blitzen, or any of the antlered all-stars, customers can track the Reindeer Buses that are in service in real-time at translink.ca/reindeerbus, ensuring you don’t miss your chance to fa-la-la-follow one.

“Toys for Tots has made the holidays brighter for countless families over the past four decades,” says Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau Executive Director Chris Bayliss. “We’re deeply thankful for every donation we receive, and for partners like TransLink who help deliver these gifts to the children who need them.”

Customers who would like to donate to Toys for Tots can drop off unwrapped toys at the following locations until Tuesday, December 16:

• TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station
• SkyTrain Customer Assistance Counter at Commercial–Broadway Station
• Lonsdale Quay SeaBus Terminal

The West Coast Express Santa Train returns this year for two Saturdays, on December 6 and 13. Families can ride for free by exchanging a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation for a West Coast Express return ticket on those mornings. For the full schedule, visit translink.ca/wce.

Donations collected through Toys for Tots will be delivered to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, while donations collected through the West Coast Express Santa Train will be delivered to SHARE Family & Community Services in the Tri-Cities, the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society, and the Christmas Bureau in Mission.

Spread the cheer even further with new TransLink holiday apparel, including the latest decorated Reindeer Bus sweater, scarf, and toque. They make a tree-mendous gift for the transit fan in your life, or a festive look to guarantee your outfit sleighs. Explore the whole collection at translinkstore.ca.

Reindeer Bus Facts:

• Over the years, 103,300 toys and over $59,000 have been collected and donated.
• The routes the Reindeer Bus will travel vary each day based on scheduling by elves at each bus depot.
• The buses have been decorated by volunteer transit elves at each depot.

More information:
Reindeer Bus tracker
West Coast Express Santa Train schedule
Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau

Media downloads:
Reindeer Bus and Toys for Tots photos

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca