The Smiley Chimps toy drive will continue this year, collecting Christmas gifts for sick children who spend the holidays in McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton.
In 2013, the Smiley Chimps toy drive was started by Sheyanne O’Donnell, when she herself was in the hospital fighting neuroblastoma.
Sadly, Sheyanne lost her battle in February 2014.
“For her, it was just bringing joy to other people … she knew what it was like to be one of those patients,” said her mother Rebecca O’Donnell.
“A toy doesn’t necessarily bring happiness but it can bring a little bit of joy for the child going through something that significant,” she added.
Rebecca explained she and her husband Kevin weren’t sure at first about continuing the toy drive this year.
“And then we said, ‘You know what, for one month out of our life, if it can bring something to another child then why not do it?’” she said.
Rebecca said family members are continuing the toy drive in memory of Sheyanne, who was compassionate to others.
“She had a big heart. Even when she was little, she always thought of others,” said Rebecca.
The toy drive welcomes any unwrapped donations for children (aged newborn to 18). Toys can be drooped off until Nov. 30 at:
– Arthur Public School, Arthur (until Nov. 13);
– Kenilworth Country Kitchen;
– Wellington Heights Secondary School in Mount Forest;
– Kevin and Rebecca O’Donnell’s house at 244 Domville St., Arthur;
– Cassey O’Donnell’s house, 270 Isabella St., Arthur;
– Warehouse One, Fergus;
– Walsh’s IDA pharmacy, Mount Forest and Arthur;
– Premium Sportswear and Promotions, Fergus;
– WR Design Flower Shop, Fergus; and
– at the Arthur Legion Craft Sale on Nov. 21 (10am to 2pm) and on Ladies Night Nov. 26 (6 to 8:30pm).
