More than three dozen families came out bright and early Sunday morning to Toys R Us in Barrie’s Park Place to take part in a special private holiday shopping spree.
The Barrie store was one of 11 across the country that opened their doors early on Dec. 18 to Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada families for a private in-store shopping session, which was expected to reach 638 families across Canada.
“Starlight kids, who live with serious illnesses — all sorts of diagnoses and conditions — are getting gift cards and are shopping with their entire family and picking out anything they want,” Christina Hopp, associate director of communications at Starlight, explained.
Each Starlight child and their siblings were given gift cards to spend in-store. Kids also got to meet Santa Claus and his elves, and several other special guests including Belle, Cinderella and Geoffrey the Giraffe.
After they finished their shopping, each family was also given a Mega Play From Home Pack (super-sized toy packs containing board games, crafts, and tons of other interactive activities) from Starlight Canada.
“It’s an additional Christmas gift that they are getting. Holidays can be really difficult for families with sick children. It’s harder for them to plan things, so this experience is just to provide them with a bit of a pick-me-up," said Hopp.
Newmarket resident Hartley Bernier, 13, and his family know first-hand how challenging life with a serious illness can be, which is why an event like the one they attended today was so special.
“Hartley was born with intestinal failure. He spent the first 100 days of his life at Sick Kids (and) has spent most of his life in and out of hospital. He has had too many surgeries and procedures to count,” said mom Ashley, noting in addition to having an ostomy bag and a central line, the teen spends approximately 16 hours per day on an IV pump.
“This kind of event is extra special. The kids get spoiled, so that is really nice, and the store is closed, so it’s nice for us to be able to come in and feel a lot safe - especially during a pandemic — but even just in your typical cold and flu season we have to be careful so it’s nice to be able to come in and take our time.”
The Berniers have been a “Starlight Family” for many years, noting Hartley got his wish — a pop-up trailer for camping with his family — granted by the foundation in 2019.
“They are always looking for unique and special ways to celebrate these kids and their siblings. Everybody is always included,” said dad, Daniel.
“We are just so grateful for everything that Toys R Us does for Starlight kids and that Starlight does for families like ours. They are a lifesaver,” added Ashley.
At this weekend’s event, Hartley and his two brothers — Hudson, 11, and Sully, 7, — were excited to check out what cool toys they would find while making their way around the store. Sully had already added a Woolly Mammoth Squishmallow to the cart, while Hudson and Hartley had their eyes on some cool LEGO and Nerf stuff to take home.
“We keep seeing things!” admitted Hartley.
Toys R Us Park Place store manager Carmin Smith said although they did schedule staff for the event, many employees who were not on the schedule were eager to come in early and get dressed up to help.
“We made things for the kids, because this is all very touching for us,” she said. “It’s so much fun. It makes you think about how lucky we are and how much we really want to support these kids and make it a happy day for them. We really cherish all of the moments with these kids. We love the fact that we can support all of these kids that we’re doing donations for throughout the year. It’s so heartwarming to all of us and really puts a smile on our faces.”
