Incredible work happens at SickKids in Toronto. I have several friends and family members whose children’s lives were changed and even saved by the wonderful work done by the SickKids team, so when I was asked to help share this original Valentine’s Day gift idea, I just couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
Before I pass along the information about their SickKids Get Better Gifts program, I first want to share how my friend, a mom of a child who has faced life-threatening cardiac issues, feels about SickKids:
“Without the Hospital for Sick Children, our beloved son William would not be alive today. When William was recovering from his second surgery, a couple beside us was with their baby daughter, who sadly had been there for several months. We talked about how much the hospital had done for both of our children, and the husband said to us ‘If you ever want to see a miracle, all you have to do is come here.’ The children, whose lives are saved every day there, are living, breathing miracles.”
*******************
February is Heart Month, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, visions of red roses, romantic dinners and cinnamon hearts are no doubt dancing in your head. If you’re looking to give something beyond a box of chocolates, look no further.
The SickKids Get Better Gifts program offers a symbolic alternative to traditional gift-giving and a meaningful way of showing someone you care, while making a positive impact on children and families at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). It’s a great way to honour friends and loved ones while supporting families and children with serious illnesses or injuries.
Your gift will help patients like Liam.
Featured in our recent brand campaign, Liam has undergone two heart surgeries and may need a third procedure one day. While in the hospital, he spent time playing doctor to learn about what he was going through. He not only had the comfort of his parents and some of the country’s top medical staff, but also had his trusty blanket to protect him during check-ups, overnight stays and open-heart surgery. Watch Liam’s videos here and here.
Did you know?
· Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth defect. Each year, about 1 out of every 100 babies born has a heart defect.
· Of the children requiring cardiac surgery at SickKids, 21 per cent are under a month old and 40 per cent are under a year old.
· Each year in Ontario alone, SickKids performs more than 85 per cent of paediatric cardiovascular surgery.
· The Labatt Family Heart Centre is one of the largest paediatric heart transplant centres in the world.
For a full list of ideas, including Valentine’s craft supplies, 30 days on a heart saturation monitor, or a treasure trove of toys, visit our online gift catalogue.
**************
Gifts available online start as low as a $10 gift certificate, and include worthy causes like Books for the Children’s Library at the Family Centre, Supplies for Cooking and Baking Programs, A Memory of a Visit from a Furry Friend, Teaching Dolls and Sleeper Chairs. By the way – not only are these great Valentine’s Day gifts, but something to consider for other occasions as well – teacher gifts perhaps?
