Making the season bright for children who must spend their holidays at BC Children's Hospital Brooke Moriarity's goal.
This is the third year the Grade 11 student at BC Christian Academy in Port Coquitlam has been collecting toys for children and her goal is to gather 500 or more toys for kids up to the age 18.
"When I realized that people have to spend Christmas and winter holidays in hospital, I felt bad and I [I do it also] for lots of families who can't buy presents for their children," Moriarity told The Tri-City News.
She has been a patient at the hospital when she suffered from severe migraines, and remembers the difficulties of going through a health issue so she believes a gift will help make the holidays easier for other kids.
"I'd really like to help the children have happier holidays even though it can be sad and depressing when you're in a situation like that."
This year, Moriarity is getting help from students at Hampton Park elementary school and is also reaching out to the community to help her reach her goal. Among the toys she is collecting are games, puzzles and toys for children, from infants to teenagers.
Toys can be dropped off at Healing Cedars Wellness, located at 3130 St. Johns St. in Port Moody, and Pillars Salon, 4256 Hastings St. in Burnaby.
In addition, Moriarity can be contacted at [email protected] and can arrange to pick up donations.
