'Who wants to wake up to an empty Christmas tree?' (13 photos)

When event organizer Greg Simpson came up with the idea for Toystock, he envisioned a gang of his musician friends coming together for a night to give a little bit back to the community.

That’s indeed how it started, but five years later and the annual Christmas Cheer fundraiser continues to grow.

“The next thing I knew, everyone was bringing their children and it turned into a family affair. Now it’s mostly kids which is awesome because we get to actually introduce the new generation to music,” Simpson told SooToday.

With Maxx Entertainment as the event’s title sponsor, everyone involved in the event does so on a volunteer basis, from the bands and sound techs to the door staff and vendors.

“It’s all about giving back to the community. It’s not even just musicians. I’m noticing it throughout the city,” he said. “The city is really stepping up now, maybe a lot more than it used to. I think it has to.”

“No one makes a cent aside from Christmas Cheer. It’s all about giving back to your neighbour,” Simson continued. “It’s actually kind of sad that we have to put on things like this to help those less fortunate, especially at Christmas. But who wants to wake up to an empty Christmas tree?”

Supporters that came out to ‘rock the cause’ Sunday gained entry to event at Grand Gardens North by donation of a new or gently used toy, non-perishable food items, or monetary contribution to support Christmas Cheer.

The entertainment roster included Case’s Music students, Band Camp Rejects, Redundant, Mojo, The Elements, Tequila and Guitars, The Din, 3 Day Millionaires, The Peace Vibe, and Bone Yard.

Santa and Mrs. Claus also made appearances for photos with the little ones.

The 5th annual Toystock charity event continues with live entertainment until 10 p.m. this evening.