Packing a Smile
Hello and thank you for your attention. My name is Brooke Lax and I am a 15 year old female located in Toronto, ON. I am reaching out today to inquire about a possible donation of toys, books, games, stuffed animals, crafting supplies and more from your company for my non-profit organization Packing a Smile. The initial purpose of this project was to pack bags for children who had been in long-term hospital care. After my personal experiences, I wanted to give them a reason to smile!
Just under 4 years ago, Packing a Smile took its very first step. Reaching out to Canadian based companies for youth oriented donations in order to pack bags for children who have had to make the hospital their home. In October 2018, I was able to complete this initiative once. After donating the bags and it being such a success, I realized that this is an initiative that I would like to repeat. Although due to privacy restrictions, I wasn’t able to personally give out bags to the children at The Hospital for Sick Children, I was still fortunate enough with the mass quantity of support I got from Canadian based companies to donate over 250 packed bags and countless arts and craft supplies, and larger items to the various wards and lounges.
Then again, in 2020 I was supported by Mattel and past donations from other companies -from the first time- and was able to donate toys, dolls, card games and activities to Markham Stouffville Hospital for the childrens’ wing for the holidays.
I have no words for the utmost appreciation I have for the tremendous doctors, nurses and volunteers that have supported me at Sick Kids* and MSH**. Therefore, I would sincerely appreciate your support on my third journey. This winter, my goal is to set up a holiday display for children at Markham Stouffville Hospital who unfortunately will have to spend their culture's celebration there. Whether they honor Hanukkah, Christmas, Diwali, or simply need a smile during the holiday season… they will get the opportunity to celebrate with their MSH family! Your donations of toys, books, games, stuffed animals, arts and craft supplies or anything else would be greatly appreciated.
Please note that my mother, and teacher; Stacey Lax will continue to assist me with collecting donations and is in support of this project. Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you when you have a moment.
Thank you,
Brooke Lax
Brooke’s Contact Information:
EMAIL: [email redacted]
PHONE #: (647) 546 - 8895
INSTAGRAM: @packingasmile
Stacey’s Contact Information:
EMAIL: [email redacted]
PHONE #: (416) 560 - 4354
*Sick Kids Hospital has had a huge impact on my life. Approximately six years ago, I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia while on holiday in British Columbia. When I got back to Toronto, I was very quickly seen by a cardiologist. Not so long after, I was admitted to the hospital again. One month later, I was scheduled for an ablation surgery, where they would burn a pathway in my heart. Being in the hospital for multiple days, I realized how many children have the hospital their home. Their lives are impacted by treatment schedules so they might not have access to new toys and games. There are so many children who have incurable diseases. Luckily, mine had one.
** Within the past few years, I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE. This is an allergic disease that affects the esophagus and small intestine. This disease create inflammation in the GI tract. Sick Kids Hospital was able to provide me with healthcare and doctors who can work with me to modify my diet and has been instrumental in designing a food plan that will ensure my proper growth and development.