Fun Tree Lighting Taking Place in Oakville

Live music, treats, and a magnificent tree lighting are in store for Oakville residents this week.

Live music, treats, and a magnificent tree lighting are in store for Oakville residents this week.

Bring your family and kick off the Christmas season in Kerr Village at the 23rd annual Christmas tree lighting.

Join Santa Claus and McGruff the Crime Dog at Heritage Square

The event is taking place on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 340 Kerr St.

Christmas carols, local entertainers, and more are in store.

Admission is free.

Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped donation for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Halton police are partnering with Canadian Tire, the Salvation Army, Mandarin Restaurant and Halton Honda in efforts to collect and distribute toys in time for Christmas.

The Toys for Tots program raised more than $248,810 in toys, gift cards, cash and food for 4,350 local families in need in 2016.

In an effort to exceed last year’s record fundraising total, organizers of this year’s campaign are challenging residents to take Toys for Tots to your school, workplace, neighbourhood or organization (you can participate by collecting new, unwrapped toys, cash, gift cards for teens or Canadian Tire money).

Members of the public are invited to make their donation of new, unwrapped toys, Canadian Tire money, cash or gift cards at any Canadian Tire location in Halton Region or any Halton Regional Police station until Sunday, Dec. 10.