Annual Calgary firefighters' toy party cancelled for first time in 53 years

The annual Calgary firefighters' toy event has been cancelled for the first time in 53 years due to new COVID-19 restrictions introduced this week.

"We had done our best to ensure we had a safe plan for all of our recipients, staff and vendors, but wemust understand that this (the virus) is bigger than us," said Mark Hagel, president of the CalgaryFirefighters Toy Association, in a news release.

Last year, over 4,000 underprivileged children attended the Christmas party put on by the association.

The event was planned as a drive-through experience this year, but was still in conflict with the new rules. The association is now trying to ensure that presents still end up in the hands of children.

"We hope that our recipients willnot be left without a Christmas present," said Hagle in the release.

"We work all year receiving gifts, wrapping gifts and makingsure each child is looked after we hope that this will happen, in some capacity."

The association says it hopes to hold an in-person event next year.