Local boys to host eighth and final year of their annual toy drive

Porter Huffman and Colton Lawrence show many of the toys that will go to homes in need. This is the eighth and final year for the toy drive. To date, they have raised over $40,000 for gifts, food and gift cards.

By Wendy Lamond

When Porter Huffman and Colton Lawrence first gathered loose Canadian Tire money from around their homes at age six, they never imagined a simple idea, “Let’s help other kids have a great Christmas,” would grow into a community tradition that would touch hundreds of families.

Eight years later, Porter, now a teenager with a slightly deeper voice, a fuller schedule and bigger shoes, is stepping into the final season of Porter & Colton’s Toy Drive, and he’s determined to finish as strongly as they began, with kindness, gratitude and the joy of helping others.

What started as two kids and a handful of Canadian Tire bills quickly became a powerful local movement. Each year, the toy drive grew – more donations, more community partners, more toys stacked high in shopping carts and more people helped by the boys’ enthusiasm.

Over the years, Porter and Colton have raised over $40,000, providing Christmas gifts, food support and gift cards to families throughout Lucan, St. Marys, Ailsa Craig and the surrounding areas. Their efforts even earned them a place on the 2024 Town of Lucan Biddulph Mayor’s Honour Roll.

But beyond awards and dollar amounts, it’s the people they’ve met, the families helped, the volunteers who lifted them up and the community that worked beside them that has shaped their journey most. Also, a big part of the boy’s adventure has been Colton’s mom, Lyndsay.

If the toy drive had a home away from home, it would be the toy aisles of Canadian Tire in St. Marys.

Across four ownership teams, the store has been a pillar of generosity. Discounts, support, guidance and encouragement have helped the boys stretch every dollar into as many toys as possible. A standout figure at the St. Marys Canadian Tire has always been Shannon Clifford-Rooney, who has remained a dedicated advocate through every transition. Her ongoing enthusiasm and commitment have made her one of the toy drive’s most influential long-term supporters.

The boys’ biggest donation to date and one of the highlights of the 2025 campaign came when Forbes Waterloo Mazda donated $2,500, naming the boys their 2025 Mazda Legends. Representatives Kevin Sholdice, Anna and the Mazda Canada team surprised the boys with the honour, pushing them over their 2024 Fundraising goal of $13,000.

The recognition is one of several memorable experiences the boys have received over the years, including an appearance at the Night of Heroes Fashion Show run by Community Living London and several interviews on AM 980 with broadcaster Mike Stubbs.

Throughout its eight-year run, Porter & Colton’s Toy Drive has gained support from a wide range of community groups, organizations, and individuals including:

- Lucan Lions

- Lucan Small Businessmen

- Lucan Legion Branch 540

- Nicholas Smith Memorial Group

- The River Bend Bottles Collection

Hundreds of residents have also contributed through bottle drives, toy donations, Canadian Tire Money and e-transfer contributions.

Though 2025 will mark the final year of this charitable initiative, it’s Porter’s hope this legacy of kindness and community service inspires others for years to come.

For anyone interested in donating to support the toy drive’s final season, donations are being accepted through the charity’s Facebook page, “Porter & Colton’s Toy and Food Drive.” Triangle Rewards points may also be donated at Canadian Tire St. Marys checkout counters at the time of purchase.