Eleanor's Special Holiday Gifts: Toys and Get Well Wishes for Paediatric Patients
Published Monday, January 15, 2024
Eleanor’s Special Holiday Gifts: Toys and Get Well Wishes for Paediatric Patients
By Torin Gunnell
Eleanor stopped by the Paediatric department in the Health Sciences Centre on December 15th with an incredible donation of Christmas presents and Get Well Soon cards for patients at our hospital!
She raised $200 by selling rainbow bracelets for $1 each, reaching out to her dance studio members, schoolmates, and teachers. The Get Well Soon cards were thoughtfully written by her school peers.
Eleanor's solo fundraising effort proves that age is no barrier to making a significant impact on our community and local healthcare. "During my brother Henry's hospital stay, the Child Life Specialist made a huge difference by playing with him and bringing toys," shared Eleanor. "I had an idea – maybe I could sell my rainbow looms to purchase toys for the Child Life Specialist. They often let kids take home their favourite toy, so I wanted to give back."
Eleanor says her goal for next year is to raise $1,000 to buy even more toys!
Brittany Oliver, Certified Child Life Specialist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, expressed deep gratitude for Eleanor's generosity. "Thanks to this donation, children who spent Christmas at our hospital found presents under the tree, providing a sense of familiarity and normalcy during their time here," Brittany remarked.
Eleanor, you are truly incredible! Thank you for making a difference!
Photo caption:
Eleanor raised $200 by selling her rainbow bracelets and used the funds to purchase toys for the Paediatric patients. She also brought along Get Well Soon cards made by her school mates. She loved that the Child Life Specialist made her brother’s hospital stay comfortable. “I wanted to give back,” said Eleanor when she presented her gifts and cards to Brittany Oliver, Certified Child Life Specialist at the Health Sciences Centre.