Qadim, 9, who lives with Angelman Syndrome, with his family having a good time at Toys “R” Us in Etobicoke. Photos by Kristina Hopp.
Some 128 families with critically or chronically ill children had their dreams come true in a spree at Toys “R” Us store in Etobicoke.
The event was organized by Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, whose goal is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families in the GTA through distractive hospital-to-home programs.
Starlight spokesperson Kristina Hopp said between hospital visits and medical challenges, the holidays can be a stressful time for families with seriously ill children.
“In an effort to provide comfort and smiles during this difficult time,” Hopp explained. “Toys“R”Us Canada is providing Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada families across the nation with a private “Herb’s Secret Santa.”
Qadim and many other children get a well-deserved break from their regular days.
She said the children were provided with a private in-store shopping session at their local Toys“R”Us Canada while the store is closed to the public.
Gift cards were given to each Starlight child and their siblings to spend in-store. The children also got a chance to meet Santa Claus, superheroes, princesses, and more of their favourite characters.
They left with a Mega Play From Home Pack, which is a super-sized toy pack containing board games, crafts and more from Starlight Canada.
The program was expected to reach some 750 families across Canada in 2023.
This year marks 25 years of partnership between Starlight Canada and Toys“R”Us Canada.
Toys “R” Us in Etobicoke were gracious enough to host 128 Starlight families days before Christmas.
Kopp said thanks to the support of their employees and customers in that time, Toys“R”Us Canada has raised over $28 million for Starlight Canada since 1998 – reaching tens of thousands of seriously ill and hospitalized children.
In addition to private shopping events this holiday season, Toys“R”Us Canada also fundraised for Starlight Canada through the sale of a limited edition annual Starlight Bear and an in-store Star Campaign, where customers donated $1 directly to Starlight Canada. That campaign finished in December.