What started out as a few guys wanting to do good in their community has turned into an annual fundraiser that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Chilliwack Community Services.
From Nov. 25-26, the 25th annual Chilliwack Athletes for Toys and Turkeys (CATT) volleyball tournament will be taking place at Chilliwack Landing Sports Centre.
The tournament, which is now run by the Chilliwack-Mount Cheam Rotary Club, has raised nearly $200,000 for Chilliwack Community Services, and has also collected 10,000 new toys.
Funds raised and toys collected go towards Christmas hampers for families in need.
"This is Chilliwack's biggest Christmas fundraiser," said Rotarian Ed McGrath. "The last few years, we've raised $20,000 per year and between 400 and 500 toys per year."
This year, they want to up the ante.
"With it being our 25th year, our goal is to raise $25,000," said McGrath.
The tournament is capped at 42 teams with anywhere from six to 10 players. So far, 24 have signed up.
Cost is $100 per team, and each player is required to donate a new, unwrapped toy.
For more information or to register, visit the website www.cattfund.com.
Registration forms are also available at Chilliwack Community Services.