iPads and gaming systems for NEO Kids patients

Toys R Us Canada and the Starlight Children's Foundation presented a $2,000 cheque to the North Eastern Ontario Health Centre for Kids (NEO Kids) to help purchase distraction toys and equipment, such as iPads, colouring books and crafts, and gaming systems, for children and youth who require invasive procedures in the outpatient clinic.

Each year during the holiday season, Toys R Us Canada employees and customers help raise funds through the sale and purchase of Starlight Stars in stores and online at Toys R Us.

Last year, the campaign raised more than $1.5 million.

In addition to the Starlight Stars, grant-funded programs support local hospitals with admit kits which include family essentials for unexpected hospital stays, Fun Centers that are mobile units that have a television and Nintendo Wii U system and many other programs that help to brighten the lives of sick Canadian kids and their families.

“We would like to thank Toys R Us Canada for helping Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada raise much needed funds for seriously ill children and their families across Canada,” said Starlight Canada's executive director Brian Bringolf, in a press release.

“Providing distraction items allows the child to focus on something else rather than the treatment they are receiving,” said NEO Kids' clinical manager, Keri Shewchuk, in a press release. “We are grateful for the continuing support of both the Starlight Foundation and Toys R Us.”