Your How-To Guide to spreading goodwill in your community this holiday season

The holiday season is in full swing. While you’re busy hanging the garland and putting up that Christmas tree, there are individuals in your community who are feeling the financial burden and stress this time of year brings. If you’d like to donate to a cause that directly impacts a family, child or senior who lives in the community, check out some of these locally-driven fundraisers and toy and food drives.

In 2015 when Hudson was born with severe Meconium aspiration syndrome, and it severely affected how his lungs functioned He did not breathe for the first 13 minutes of his life and spent weeks at McMaster Children's Hospital as staff tried to reverse brain damage and fix his tiny lungs It was during this time at McMaster in Hamilton that his parents Sarah and James saw, and experienced first-hand, the amazing staff members and the sheer resilience within the walls of the hospital

“We took many walks to take a break and encountered so many little children and teens. You don’t expect to look at a four-year-old child fighting the biggest fight of their life and they are the one who smiles up at you and asks you how you are doing,” explained Sarah. “We just couldn’t believe the strength, determination, the smiles and the laughter we encountered,” she added.

Hudson made a full recovery and was released from hospital weeks after his birth Not every family is that fortunate. Their time at the hospital really resonated with them.

This humbling and heartwarming time in such an uncertain moment of their lives inspired the duo to help keep the magic alive during the holidays (as Hudson was born during the holidays). That’s how the McMaster Toy Drive was born - to provide a little extra happiness to the hospital's youngest and bravest guests on Christmas morning.

In 2016, during their first McMaster donation drive, the Gurneys raised $300 worth of toys. They expanded the following year by asking local companies for donations, including James’employer

Today, Hudson is all smiles, thanks to the caring team at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Each year the Gurneys collect clothing and toys for the kids staying at Mac Hospital over the holidays. Pictured is Hudson during the 2022 delivery.

Priority Mechanical who graciously responded to the occasion By 2018 donations were exceeding the $5,000 range.

If you’d like to donate to the drive this year, the deadline is December 5th The Gurneys always deliver their annual collection to McMaster Hospital the first week of December. If you’d like to contribute you can reach Sarah by email at gurneyhelpmackids@gmail.com