Last week I had an amazing and very emotional experience at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). I received a behind the scenes tour of the facility and I got to meet some of the wonderful staff that make such a big impact and difference in children’s lives. I also got to hear first hand from a mom whose son was treated at SickKids for Cancer. She recalled her time at the Hospital and how she often didn’t know whether or not her son would be home for the holidays so she would pack a “holiday” bag with her just in case.
While the staff, doctors and all of the volunteers work really hard to ensure that the kids get a chance to go home for the holidays, even if just for the day, not all can or do. In fact, I found out that close to 300 kids have to stay in the hospital over the holidays. Imagine that… a time when we’re supposed to be in the comfort of our home surrounded by family and loved ones and enjoying traditions is not possible for some of the patients at SickKids. This really broke my heart and brought me to tears hearing the stories of the many patients and their hardships. They truly are all remarkable. The patients are all little warriors fighting a big battle!
This holiday, if you’re looking for a gift that will really make an impact, or you’re not sure what to get that person that “has it all” or if you’re looking for a unique host/hostess gift, I would encourage you to consider buying a Get Better Gifts. These gifts help the young patients miss home a little less and will provide much needed normalcy too. Often, these gifts also provide much needed therapy in a form that is disguised with the gifts. They may think they’re just playing and having fun, but they’re also healing physically and mentally. You can also give them these get well cookies shipped with love and care.
Gifts range from as little as $3 for crayons, $20 for holiday cooking & baking supplies, $45 for a holiday meal for a family, or $65 for a crib mobile OR a wish list gift. Some of the new gifts this year include a movie night for teens ($25), video games and controllers ($36) and face painting supplies ($15). Certain gifts will even be matched through the generous donation of the Orinoco Foundation. In four easy clicks you can make someone’s holiday season a little brighter. Just choose, review, customize and check out! Check out all of the options at GetBetterGifts.ca
I will be purchasing a few Get Better Gifts myself including one for a hostess, one for my son’s teacher and one for each of my boys. I want them to learn from a young age, that it’s just as important to give as it is to receive. The Get Better Gifts are the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Thank you for this important information – I really like these Get Better Gifts!
I love this blog post , we tend to forget that there are kids out there that go through this , makes me feel lucky to have my babies home with me
I never heard of this Sick Kids Foundation Get Better Gifts. I love it. They are also reasonable priced. Great for co-workers to combine monetary to contribute.
I’ve never heard of Get Better Gifts but now that I have, I can’t say no to it. It is such a great idea. I hope I can put a smile on a child’s face by buying something from Get Better Gifts this holiday season.
This is such a great idea and a wonderful way to give back at the holidays which is such an important time for kids.
Thank you for this reminder. A few years back a friend’s child was having surgery and they were so sad to be in SickKids over Christmas and New Years.