Toy drive honours baby's memory

Zachary Laliberté passed away May 15, 2013, one month shy of his first birthday.

Josée and Noella Doiron are honouring the baby's memory by organizing “Zachary’s Christmas Toy Drive” in support of the many children who are receiving care at Health Sciences North this Christmas season.

Health Sciences North’s pediatric infant and child programs serve close to 50,000 pediatric patients each year.

The toy drive takes place at the New Sudbury Pentecostal Church, located at 264 Levesque St. until Dec. 22.

“Zachary spent most of his life in and out of the hospital, more in than out. Even in his infancy he gave so much of himself and left such a lasting impression, that it is our turn to give back” said Josée Doiron.

“Through Zachary's journey, our eyes were opened to all of the children and families in our own community who are in need of love, support and strength from their community. At a time of the year in which families are making such great memories, we just want everyone to remember the friends and family and children in our community who are struggling for a reason to smile.”

“Each Christmas season, hundreds of children will have to spend time away from their home, family and friends to receive treatment at Health Sciences North,” said Mary Lou Hussak, executive director of Health Sciences North Foundation.

“Through the donation of funds or an item to Zachary’s Christmas Toy Drive, you will help to make the time they spend at Health Sciences North this Christmas season a little brighter.”

For more information on Zachary’s Christmas Toy Drive, contact Doiron at 705-855-4392.

For more information on how you can support Health Sciences North Foundation, please contact us at 705-523-7130 or visit www.hsnfoundation.ca or HSN Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hsnfoundation.