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Sean’s Gift of Sharing

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Hello friends! On behalf of (and with permission from) my dear friend Tina Richardson, I am launching this GoFundMe to raise money for the annual Sean's Gift of Sharing toy drive for the BC Children's Hospital oncology unit. Tina started this toy drive in memory of her young son Sean, who passed away from Leukemia at the age of 7 (she explains this in more detail below). Last year, Tina donated 1,634 brand new toys with the help of friends, family and other generous humans! Unfortunately, the current COVID-19 situation means that many individuals will not be able to shop in-person for this year's toy drive and it may just be extra challenging to meet our goal. In light of this, I suggested that we start a fundraiser to assist Tina in purchasing gift cards and toys via Amazon and other online retailers. If you do not feel comfortable donating money and you wish to ship something directly to Tina, please email [email redacted] (dot) com for the mailing address. Direct e-transfers are also accepted to this email address if you do not wish for GoFundMe to take a portion of your donation (please make the password: 'seansgift'). We will update this fundraiser to reflect the direct donation! Please see below for a message from Tina. For more about Sean's story or for details on how you can donate brand new, unopened toys instead of making a monetary donation, please visit www.vancouvervirtualfamilies.com/supportingourcommunity  Thank you kindly! Ashley Hansen Message from Tina  (Sean's mom): "I can’t believe it’s been 56 months since my Seanny gained his angel wings. I am SO blessed for those of you who have followed Sean’s life journey, from his cancer diagnosis at age 3, to his 4 year battle with leukemia, to his passing at age 7. Shortly after Sean passed, I was trying to figure out a way to honour his memory. As he was born on Sept.24th and passed on Nov.24th, I decided it would be quite meaningful to have my family & friends do a random act of kindness on the 24th of each month. I continue to be comforted by so many of you sharing your stories of doing these random acts of kindness. As many of you are aware, for the past 5 years, I have been doing a toydrive for the Oncology patients at BCCH, appropriately called “ Sean’s Gift of Sharing”. Every year we have experienced an increase in the amount of toys donated to these very deserving children. Last year, thanks to the amazing generosity of so many of my FB family & friends, a whopping 1,634 brand new unwrapped toys were donated to these brave cancer warriors!! When our truck (filled to the brim with toys), pulled up to the entrance at BCCH, we were greeted by not only the wonderful Oncology ChildLife Specialist, Christina, but also several members of my WestJet family, ready to step in to help with the huge toy delivery. It was such an emotional moment for me as I thought of how thrilled Sean would have been to have been there with us- spreading joy to his fellow cancer warriors. I know he was definitely there in spirit, though. This year, as a result of the worldwide pandemic, unfortunately, there will not be WestJet flight tickets that we can use to raise money. I’m fully aware of how this pandemic has impacted everyone of us psychologically and financially. Before the pandemic hit, I was going to set a goal of donating 1,700 toys this year. Sadly, I realize this goal willl be impossible to achieve. Nonetheless, I don’t want to disappoint ANY of the children/ teens going to BCCH for their cancer treatments. I know as a fact, that in the past year, there has been an increase in children being diagnosed with cancer in the BC/ Yukon region. What these young Oncology patients have to endure is truly hell on earth- life altering surgeries, horrific and devastatingly painful side effects from chemo and other cancer meds. Many of these babies, children and teens are inpatient in the Oncology Ward for many several months at a time, in strict isolation. This is where “Sean’s Gift of Sharing” toy drive comes in! I cannot tell you in the last 5 years, since this toy drive began, how many parents have shared with me, photos of their kids enjoying a toy/ giftcard from “ Sean’s Gift of Sharing” !!! It really was heartwarming to see. For the kids who have day appointments in the Oncology Clinic, there is a Treasure Chest, filled with toys that these kids get to choose from after their check up with their oncologist (or a dose of chemo or a blood transfusion) is over. These kids really look forward to being able to choose a special toy. This year, I will not be setting a goal for the toys/ giftcards. From July 24th- Sept.24th, I will begin collecting toys. The actual donation will take place on September 24th( what would have been Sean’s 12th birthday) at BCCH. If you’re able to donate in anyway- by sending toys, giftcards or would like to etransfer funds so I can pick up the toys at my end, please PM me. Lastly, you’ll notice the newest “Sean’s Gift of Sharing” graphic. The angel wings represent my sweet angel and the orange cancer ribbons are for leukemia awareness. Eventually, I will have tshirts, coffee mugs and tote bags with this graphic. Let me know if you’d be interested. If there’s enough interest shown, I’ll be placing an order. Many thanks!! Much love, Tina❤️❤️"

Donations 

  • Amanda Pesklevitz-Seller
    • $700 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Jason Foster
    • $560 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Teresa Morabito
    • $25 
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $15 
    • 4 yrs
  • Amélie Bouvier
    • $100 
    • 4 yrs

Organizer

Ashley Hansen
Organizer
Vancouver, BC

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