The City Centre Mirror

During their investigation, 51 Division's street crime unit executed several search warrants at downtown homes seizing a quantity of marijuana valued at $50,000. They also seized $3000 worth of ecstasy and a firearm.

This investigation led to the identification of some of the city's alleged top marijuana cultivators and distributors.

On Aug. 13, law enforcement officials also executed a series of search warrants at warehouses and homes in Toronto, Georgetown and Brampton.

During their searches, police seized $600,000 worth of marijuana, $16,500 relating to the proceeds of drugs, a firearm, ammunition and a Taser.

Police allege this network involved the dismantling of stolen automobiles within a North York warehouse, which resulted in the seizure of two stolen vehicles and automobile parts.

George Vlachos, 37, of Georgetown and Gary Calisto, 37, of Brampton, are alleged to be the network's main drug suppliers.

Vlachos and Calisto face a total of 14 charges, which are primarily related to the production and possession of drugs.

The names of the seven other arrested individuals are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-5100 or contact Crimes Stoppers anonymously at www.222tips.com or 416-222-TIPS (8477).

The 30th annual Toronto Emergency Services and Salvation Army's Red, White and Blue Knights Toy Ride goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Street West and Bay Street.

The event kicks off with opening remarks by Toronto police deputy Chief Tony Warr at 10 a.m. at the Summer Stage and is followed by a day of activities including live bands, a fashion show, interactive emergency services displays, awards, draws and door prizes and a special performance by the Toronto Police Winged Wheels Precision Motorcycle Team.

Central to the festivities will be a police escorted motorcycle ride.

Admission is a new, unwrapped toy, which will be donated to The Salvation Army to help the city's underprivileged kids. Donations of money and food will also be accepted and donated to The Salvation Army. Visit www.redwiteandblueknights.com for details.

For the third year, Staples Business Depot is hosting its Back-to-School Supply Drive at each of its locations in the city. The office supply store is teaming up with local community service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and the Children's Aid Society to ensure every child will be able to afford the needed supplies for a successful school year.

People are encouraged to donate school supplies or money at Staples locations until Sept. 7. Money will be mainly used to purchase more expensive items including calculators, knapsacks and binders.

Bins will be set up in front of the Staples locations so customers can easily donate items such as pens, pencils and notebooks.

Each year, the Toronto Community Foundation's Vital People Grant provides up to $5,000 to community leaders in Toronto who are working or volunteering at not-for-profit organizations.

The grants are awarded to support continued formal training or informal development opportunities that enhance the leadership abilities of people who work at Toronto's non-profit community groups. The grants are available to those just taking on new leadership challenges as well as those with many years of experience.

"We are very proud of our Vital People Grant," said Rahul Bhardwaj, president and CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation. "It allows us to help some of Toronto's remarkable community leaders have an extraordinary impact in our city through continued education."

Deadline for applying is Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Visit www.tcf.ca for details.

Last month, Toronto Police recovered nearly 3,000 two-wheelers in a massive raid, but so far fewer than 500 have been reunited with their rightful owners.

Police are hoping to increase that number significantly.

The bicycles are available for viewing at 35 Strachan Ave., between Lake Shore Boulevard West and King Street, through to Sunday, Sept. 7.

Those making claims are required to provide proof of ownership, like a receipt or store registration, as well as photo identification.

To prevent theft, police are advising people to register their bikes for free at www.torontopolice.on.ca.

(Bicycle Viewing Schedule)

• Monday, Aug. 25 to Friday, Aug. 29: noon to 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Monday, Sept. 1: closed

• Tuesday, Sept. 2 to Friday, Sept. 5: noon to 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m