The event put together for children who have cancer, and their siblings. For children, having cancer can mean missing out on many typical childhood activities. Participation in sports, crowded places, public transit, and indoor shopping centres can often be a no-no. The recycled air, the crowds of people, and the presence of germs can potentially do a number on these kids, who are immunosuppressed as part of their treatment.
In order to minimize germ exposure, but still give these kids an opportunity to be kids, Hearth Place worked together with the Oshawa Centre to organize a special visit before the mall opened to the public. The kids were invited in early to make a bear at the Build-A-Bear Workshop, followed by a story, and a picture with Santa from MyHolidayMoments.
I would like to express my gratitude to Hearth Place, the Oshawa Centre for organizing this event. I'd also like to say thank you to Build-A-Bear, MyHolidayMoments, and Santa Claus himself for participating! Both of my boys had smiles on their faces, except for when it was E's turn to have a picture with Santa. He was a little afraid, and didn't want to get near him. I think the biggest smile was on my face, just watching them participate. Santa assured me that both boys were on the nice list, so he mustn't have been checking in when J broke a lamp just 2 days prior.
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| E's bear, lovingly brought to life with assistance from J. |
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| J watching the stuffing machine. |
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| E listening to Santa read a story from a safe distance. |
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