Foundation can’t accept toys due to COVID-19

Encourages online gift-giving for kids in hospital

Winnipeg, MB (December 2, 2021) – Children’s Hospital Foundation is unable to accept donations in person this holiday season due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. In previous years, generous Manitobans have dropped off gifts and donations to make life a little brighter for kids in hospital.

Instead, Children’s Hospital Foundation is encouraging anyone who would like to give the gift of play to make a monetary donation online by clicking here. This will allow staff on the Child Life team to purchase gifts and comfort items and organize activities for this very special season.

These health care providers are experts in helping kids and their families cope with the uncertainty of being sick and in hospital, and understand children’s developmental needs, including for play and distraction. And since they work closely with the kids every day, they choose gifts that are appropriate for each child.

“We know the celebrations, purposeful activity and a sense of belonging are an important part of a child’s well-being and recovery in hospital and supporters’ amazing donations are used to make sure the holidays are meaningful,” says Nicole Hase-Wilson, clinical service lead, Child Life. “With your help, we can make sure each child in hospital over this season has a special surprise!”

In lieu of a monetary donation, donors can also purchase a new toy and have it sent directly to the hospital at goodbear.ca/wishlist

“The Children’s Hospital Foundation is so grateful to generous donors who want to make spending the holiday season in hospital special for kids and their families,” says Stefano Grande, president and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Even during a pandemic kids still get sick and they still have injuries to treat. HSC Children’s will continue to provide them with the best care possible thanks to generous supporters.”

Ways to help this holiday season

• To make a donation to give kids the gift of play click here and select designation, other and indicate toys.
• To purchase a toy and have it shipped directly to Child Life at HSC Children’s visit goodbear.ca/wishlist
• Buy Dr. Goodbear’s Holiday 5050 tickets at goodbear5050.ca

Celebrating 50 years of community impact (1971-2021)

Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital has the best care and experience possible.

Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Foundation has raised more than $150 million to help sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. Funds support important programs that bring comfort to sick children, life-saving equipment, and health research to improve the lives of children everywhere. Let’s make anything possible. Learn about your impact at goodbear.ca.

For more information:

Sara Shyiak
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
C: 204-794-0094
E: sshyiak@goodbear.ca