The Generations Foundation has launched its 27th annual holiday food and toy drive, collecting donations to support thousands of children and families across Montreal, Global News reports.

The campaign is seeking new toys and non-perishable food, with collection points at participating Best Buy stores, Cafe Milano locations and several other sites. The foundation also accepts food and monetary donations throughout the year.

Cafe Milano is adding a fundraising incentive this season: the group will raffle off Montreal Canadiens tickets and match every dollar raised, according to the report. Other corporate supporters over the years have included Best Buy and Mattel/Mega Bloks.

Participating Best Buy stores are in Anjou, downtown Montreal, Saint-Jérôme, Mascouche, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Marché Central, LaSalle, Laval, Pointe-Claire, Rosemère, Brossard and Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. Cafe Milano collection points are in Saint-Léonard, Pointe-Claire, Laval and Brossard.

Additional drop-off sites include the English Montreal School Board’s central office at 6000 Fielding Ave.; the Montreal Gazette at 2055 Peel St., Suite 700; and Mattel/Mega Bloks at 6767 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse in Saint-Laurent.

The drive comes as executive director Leslie Butt builds on the work of founders Adrian and Natalie Bercovici. The husband-and-wife team stepped back last year after 26 years of leadership. The foundation says it has raised more than $12 million since its inception.

Butt’s involvement began as a volunteer 27 years ago. He told Global News he started fundraising, later joined the board and was named executive director last year.

He said the organization relies exclusively on donations and wants contributions directed toward feeding the children it serves.

“This place exists because you donate to Generations out of your goodwill, your hearts, pockets,” Butt told Global News.

A new website is also in development. Butt said it is intended to make donating easier and provide more information about the foundation’s community work, while he considers new ways to support the children and families it serves.

Sources