Kinley’s toy drive continues to grow, bringing joy to children
By Joan Janzen
This marks the 11th year Kinley Hildebrandt and her mother, Candis, have held their toy drive for the Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. “Every year I think it might be the last one,” Candis mused. “But when we deliver the toys, the recreation therapists are always so happy and blown away by the amount we bring, and by our community’s support. It’s hard to stop.”
Kinley Hildebrandt recently celebrated her 13th birthday and continues to bring joy to children. Her 11th annual toy drive for the Children’s Hospital is collecting donations at JorAnn Safety in Kindersley and Eatonia Oasis Living in Eatonia. PHOTO BY CANDIS HILDEBRANDT
Momentum has continued to build over the past decade as the mother-daughter duo collect toys and bring joy to children. Keeping kids happy is what motivates 13-year-old Kinley to continue the drive. Her mom said it also helps Kinley remember how happy she felt receiving toys when she was younger.
Candis and Kinley are always finding new ways to make an impact. “Last year we started a ‘poke prize’ box at our local lab,” Candis said. “During Kinley’s monthly bloodwork, we saw a little boy get to pick a prize for being so brave. Seeing his smile and how excited he was is one hundred per cent why we do this.”
They also supplied a collection of character bandages for children to choose from during lab visits. The pair are reminded of the impact these donations make, no matter how big or small. Each year, Candis continues to be a driving force behind the toy drive.
“I always remember why we started this. Oftentimes there just wasn’t anything to give to children during hospital stays,” she recalled. “We did our toy donation mid-hospital stay once, and it wasn’t until then that they had items to hand out.”
Thanks to support from family, friends and the community, donations continue to grow each year. “Every year it seems someone steps up in a big way and makes our year successful,” Candis said. “I know the Children’s Hospital isn’t local to Kindersley, but so many kids from our community have been on that ward.”
The toy drive continues because, as Candis puts it, it’s hard to stop bringing joy to kids.
Donations can be dropped off at JorAnn Safety in Kindersley or Eatonia Oasis Living in Eatonia, or by contacting Candis at 306-460-7336. Monetary donations can be made to cmhilde20@gmail.com.