Proudfoot Corner: Thanking those who gave their time to help children play sports

As we wrap up our annual for another year, we'd like to thank all the readers who donated to Proudfoot Corner this year. The Santa Fund has been has been around since 1906. This year’s goal was to raise $1.5 million for 50,000 gift boxes that went to financially vulnerable kids, ages one to 12, across the GTA.

Thanks to you, we reached our goal. Proudfoot Corner is the Star's sports department’s contribution to the Santa fund. Every week in the Saturday Star newspaper, we publish the names of readers in boldface who donate to the fund through Proudfoot Corner, a long standing tradition here. Each year, we have a theme for the stories that go with Proudfoot Corner.

This year, we highlighted GTA residents at the grassroots level who help children play sports. These local heroes rarely get their name or photo in the paper, so they aren't doing it for the publicity or money. They are there just to help out, to give back to the community. During the season of giving, we thought it's only appropriate to highlight those who give their time and energy to help others.

Scarborough’s returns with $200 in memory of Harry Koukal … Toronto showing up strong with $105 each from and as well as $50 from in memory of Carina … Barrie’s remembers J. and P. Urquhart and R. and E. Masciulli of North Bay with a gift of $105 … of Flesherton gives $125 in memory of longtime sports columnist Dick Beddoes … Mississauga’s are back with $250 in memory of , “Star writer and dear friend” … of Oakville give $200, while from North York donate $105, and Brampton’s adds $250 … remembers Adeline and Patsy Perta with a gift of $50.

We wrap our campaign with a who wishes to remain anonymous, giving $250 in memory of Joe Feinstein, who donated to the Corner every winter from Thailand for a decade before he passed away..