Giving back
Eight-year-old Kinley Hildebrandt has been collecting donated toys for six years.
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Kinley Hildebrandt and her mom Candis have been collecting toys for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital for six years. “The toys are given to children who are admitted to the hospital. The toys are used to help pass the time, for therapy, and as prizes for bingo nights,” Candis explained.
Candis and Kinley began collecting toys years ago, before Kinley had a lung transplant on March 3, 2019. On April 16, Kinley celebrated her 8th birthday. Kinley is excited to go bowling since she’s wanted to do that for a few years but hasn’t been able to.
“She’s in soccer and skating; those were the two main things she looked forward to that she couldn’t do before the transplant,” Candis said. Kinley also looks forward to giving toys to the hospital. “She loves doing it, and she’s happy and excited to take the toys to the hospital.” Because of COVID, the hospital staff goes through supplies a lot faster than usual since patients are in isolation and unable to leave their rooms, Candis explained. “As of late, they have been in need of adult colouring books and activity items for the youth/teen population.”
“Last year, we donated the items later in the year, and some of the nurses saw the toys going in the cupboards and were so excited because their stock of toys was low,” Candis said. “Remember, even one item can brighten a child’s day.”
Candis remembers how important it was to have a bright spot in Kinley’s day when she spent a significant amount of time in the hospital. All donated items must be new, and stuffed animals are not accepted. Candis uses whatever cash donations come in to fill in what’s needed before sending the toys to the hospital.
Anyone interested in contributing can phone Candis at 306-460-7336, and monetary donations can be made by emailing Candis at cmhilde20@gmail.com
“This year, donations have been down a bit,” Candis noted. Kinley and her mom will be delivering the toys on Monday, May 3, but in the meantime they welcome all monetary donations and donations of toys to help brighten a child’s day and cause the hospital staff to smile.
Photo submitted
Kinley and Candis Hildebrandt