Toystock celebrates 10 years with 10 bands for 10 hours

They’ve come a long way since performing downstairs at the former Canadian.

Volunteers with Toystock “Rock the Cause” are celebrating 10 years at the Grand Gardens today with 10 hours of entertainment in support of Christmas Cheer.

Toystock organizer Greg Simpson says the sights and sounds of families enjoying live music while donations for a good cause come pouring in never gets old.

“This all started with a bunch of musicians downstairs at the Canadian wanting to give back,” he told SooToday. “We noticed kids and families started to show up, and it just snowballed from there.”

“It really gets the new generation into live music; how much better can that get?”

When SooToday arrived at the Grand Gardens shortly after 2 p.m. this afternoon, three tables were already filled with toys and games for children in need. 

“We always want to do better than last year,” Simpson said. “We’ve opened up the donations to pretty much anything. Not just toys and food, but gift certificates, mitts, hats, hygiene products. Whatever Christmas Cheer needs, we try to integrate that here.”

This year’s performers include Kelly McGillivray, The Long & McQuades, Kick Start, Redundant, Head First, Skin Box, Soundcheck, Head Rush, Bourbon Blue, and Bone Yard.

Stuff A Bus is on-site throughout the day, and Santa Claus stopped in to take pictures with the kids.

Toystock runs until 10 p.m. tonight. Entry to the event is by donation of a new or slightly used toy, a non-perishable food item, or a monetary donation to Christmas Cheer.