Easter baskets aim at bringing sunshine to kids in tough situations

An international initiative is bringing gifts, toys, and treats to children in shelters and the Ronald McDonald House this Easter.

"We're a group of local Discovery Toys advisors who are looking to get donations to help assemble our Easter baskets that we do each year," says Tia Sunley, an Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys. 

The Easter baskets the team put together go to bless children staying at 10 of the women's shelters across the province, Ronald McDonald House, and Dignity House. 

"Each child will be receiving a super fun Discovery Toy game and/or book, depending on the age group," says Sunley. "They receive toiletry products and some Easter candy. This year we've been asked to provide over 225 baskets for kids in these shelters, from ages 1-13."

This group of Manitoba advisors have been putting together baskets for the past seven years for kids in shelters across the province.

"The baskets are greatly received by both the children receiving them as well as the parents. We receive letters and emails each year expressing the joy these baskets bring to the children."

This is an initiative that runs across Canada and the United States of America each year put on by Discovery Toys advisors.

"Last year across North America, we were able to provide over 3,000 baskets for children in need."

Families that have potentially fled a violent home situation or are going through tough diseases can hopefully find some sunshine during this upcoming holiday. 

"Helping families that are going through such a tough time, it brings them hope and it brings me hope. When you hear about the joy that you're bringing these children, it really motivates me to help as much as possible. If helping these families makes their Easter a little easier and more joyful, that's what drives me."

To create a basket costs the organization roughly $30. People interested in donating to this Easter basket fund can connect with Sunley, either by phone (204-290-6897) or email (discoverytoys.tia@gmail.com). If people want to donate items, they are also accepting toothbrushes, toothpaste, kleenex, and treats. Donations will be accepted until April 8, 2022.