For more than 35 years, Mr. Bill has been spreading joy and the holiday spirit in North Toronto with his Christmas tree store.
The tycoon, who appears to be friends with anyone and everyone in the city, is also known for giving back to the community.
So it makes perfect sense that Mr. Bill’s Christmas wish this year is to support two groups — our veterans and Toronto’s food banks.
He told the Toronto Sun that he kickstarted the fund by donating its first $1,000.
“For every $5 donated to the Canadian Legion’s “Operation Leave the Streets Behind” campaign, which he explained is “a program to help homeless veterans in Ontario,” Mr. Bill will donate two 900-gram packages of Italpasta to the food bank.
The event will continue throughout the Christmas season, with free giveaways, draws and candy canes for the children and adults.
The local businessman spoke fondly of his location at 3 Bedford Park Ave. at Yonge St., especially at nighttime during the holiday season.
“It’s a magical experience, it’s a party,” he gushed.
“We’ve got disco balls, spinners, we have pin lighting, and old school music playing.”
There’s also a 17-foot tree on the corner that can’t be missed.
Next up for Mr. Bill is acquiring the greenhouse where the McLean House at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and resurrect it, where he plans to grow herbs and kale that would go to the hospital system.
“They’ll be available for the public that visit Sunnybrook as well as the 7,200 people that work there,” he said. “All these proceeds would go to the veterans.”
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But Mr. Bill is aiming even higher, and hinted that he is considering a run at Toronto City Council.
“I want to mend the torn fabric of our community,” he said, noting the rising crime, drugs and the neighbourhood’s businesses lacking in variety.
“I figure, somebody’s got to bring the community together.”