Christmas shopping spree for Edmonton sick kids
Posted December 19, 2023 1:59 pm.
Last Updated December 19, 2023 2:02 pm.
Colton Neil and his brother Julian were treated to a special day this weekend.
The brothers got to shop for toys at Toys“R”Us in Edmonton without the usual hustle and bustle of crowds.
It was part of a special sensory-friendly shopping spree day for families of critically or chronically ill children.
It was organized by the Starlight Foundation, which helps create smiles and memories for seriously ill children and their loved ones.
“I saw Santa and Geoffrey (the giraffe),” a happy Colton told CityNews.
“It means a lot,” added Julian. “He’s my brother obviously. He likes to play, he likes having fun, he likes looking around and he loves seeing Santa.”
The Starlight children and their siblings were each given Toys“R”Us gift cards to spend in store.
The Neils were one of dozens of families who came out to take part in the festive shopping experience.
Greg Plante was there with his 13-year-old boy John. In addition to being a Starlight family, Plante also volunteers with the foundation.
“We got involved with Starlight Foundation when he was just under a year old,” Plante said. “And we got a diagnose of Williams syndrome. And with him that brings a lot of challenges as a family.”
Plante says Starlight was the first organization to reach out to them. He says events like the shopping one provide a “judgement-free zone” for families to come together and lets children be themselves.
Santa Claus, elves and some special characters made an appearance at the event.
“Not every kid smiles, but in their own way you can feel the smile on their face,” Plante said.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Starlight and Toys“R”Us, with similar events taking place across the country.
