Another Book Donation!

With several generous donations of children's books, both new and used, we had a collection of 226 books lying around in our basement. Some were left over from our garage sale, and some were donated afterwards. What were we going to do with them? It didn't take long to figure out where we wanted to them to go and who we wanted to benefit from them. We chose SickKids Hospital in Toronto!

Beyond the amazing work and care that goes on at SickKids on a daily basis, we have a personal connection with the hosptial that made us want to include it in our 'drive'. We were born 2 months premature, each with our own set of medical difficulties. Immediately after we were born, Melissa was rushed to SickKids where she spent the first ten days of her life. Yes, we were separated right at birth... that's probably one of the longest times we've ever been apart! Our mom has always said that the staff at SickKids were wonderful and called her several times a day with updates. A small relationship, but one nonetheless. There are so many brave and inspiring children who call this hospital a second home, and we wanted to give back to them in our 'Drive to 25'.

So today, we drove to SickKids and dropped off four boxes filled with an assortment of colourful picture books, big and small board books and chapter books for early readers. Everything from Franklin to Dora to learning your ABC's; even the Berenstain Bears, a personal favourite of ours! We couldn't have picked a hotter day to carry in two loads of heavy book boxes, but we managed! After discussing with the super friendly Donations Coordinator, we organized that the new books would be benefitting the Child Life Program. This means that the 154 new books we donated will be distributed among the Reading Rooms and play rooms in the hospital for patients to read and enjoy. The 72 used books will be donated to the Women's Auxiliary, who will sell them within the hopsital, with all of the proceeds going towards SickKids. We remember the excitement that comes from reading a new book and hope that this donation will create many similar experiences. It definitely makes us smile knowing that so many children will be able to share one of our favourite childhood pastimes while away from the comforts of their own home.

Here we are at the hopsital with our book donation:

We couldn't be happier to have included SickKids Hospital in our 'Drive to 25' and to continue to spread the joy of reading! Just being in the hospital, we could see the enthusiastic, positive and inspiring energy that we know is making a difference in the lives of so many children. We are proud to have contributed, even in a very small way, to this encouraging environment. What a special day; one to remember!