Christmas this year will be merrier for seriously ill children thanks to eQ Homes’ first-ever toy drive for sick children in support of Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario.
The charitable organization, part of a national network, grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The drive is a partnership between eQ Homes and Mrs. Tiggy Winkles toy store and runs until Dec. 20. For every toy dropped off at one its sales centres, eQ Homes will buy a toy from Mrs. Tiggy Winkles and donate it to Make-A-Wish.
Contributing to the community
“We want to contribute to the community,” says Katherine Toms, eQ’s digital marketing coordinator. “What I like about Make-A-Wish is that they go above and beyond and try to make a great experience for the child leading up to getting their wish.”
To date, 7,347 wishes have been granted in Canada. They include meeting country superstar Taylor Swift, swimming with sharks in Hawaii, and having a secret garden.
Toms says that donations to eQ’s drive so far have run the gamut from board games to blocks and toy trucks.
“As long as it’s a new toy, we’ll accept it.”
She asks that donations to the toy drive for sick children not be wrapped to make it easier to match gifts with children. Toys should be aimed at children ages three to 18.
Bringing attention to the children
“Any type of community involvement is appreciated because it brings (attention) to the children,” says Tanya Desjardins, CEO of Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario.
The organization always needs toys for children who are waiting for their wish to be granted, she says.
According to Desjardins, Eastern Ontario has seen a surge in wish referrals, from 40 in 2016 to over 100 so far this year. She says that with no government funding, Make-A-Wish is dependent on community support.
While all gifts are appreciated, Desjardins says that stuffed animals aren’t always the best choice because many seriously ill children have allergies, and stuffed toys are hard to keep clean.
She says board games are great because they engage the entire family. Crafts are also a favourite.
“The children spend a lot of time in treatment, and crafts give them something to do.”
How to donate to the toy drive for sick children
To donate to the eQ toy drive, drop items off at any of the following sales centres by Dec. 20:
eQuinelle – 78 Equinelle Dr., Kemptville
Fernbank Crossing – 632 Cope Dr., Stittsville
Pathways at Findlay Creek – 4840 Bank St., Gloucester
Greystone Village – 175A Main St., Ottawa
Clarence Crossing – 35 L’etang St., Clarence-Rockland.
For office hours by location, check eqhomes.ca.
