Edmonton toy store invites families for a sensory-friendly shopping spree ahead of Christmas
Some local kids got a jump on Christmas morning this weekend.
Toys "R" Us opened its doors early Sunday for a sensory-friendly shopping spree in partnership with the Starlight Children's Foundation Canada.
The organization supports families with a child facing a chronic or critical health condition, and it's been partnering the toy store for the annual shopping event for 25 years.
"It's having a sensory-friendly event where kids can be themselves, where there's no judgment," said Starlight Canada volunteer Greg Plante.
"When you can spend time with other kids who understand you, whether you're the special needs child or the sibling, it allows you a bit of time to be yourself.
"And that's what these events are really all about."
Each child from each family was given $50 to spend in the store while volunteers in cosplay entertained families in the aisles.
Even Santa himself stopped by for a pre-Christmas visit.
Plante knows personally how much the event means to families, as his son John was born with a developmental disorder.
"We got a diagnosis of Williams syndrome for him, and with him that brings along a number of challenges as a family," Plante said. "The Starlight Foundation was one of the first organizations that reached out to us as a family with events and support to help make our lives a little easier."
Starlight Canada has been partnering with Toys "R" Us for the program for 25 years. This year, around 750 families across Canada will take part in the shopping spree.
Plante said, for families like his, the spree isn't just about scoring toys – it's a time for connection.
"We're a small community here in Edmonton," he added. "You get to see people you saw last year or at a previous event, and to be able to connect with those families is awesome."
To date, more than $28 million has been raised for the charity.
"All that money goes right into the Starlight Foundation and right into the smiles of kids, which is fantastic," Plante said. "You can't ask for anything better."
For more information on the Starlight Children's Foundation Canada, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable right now, but solutions on the table in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting
During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.
Pedestrian killed by Via Rail train near Kingston, Ont.
Regular rail traffic has resumed with severe delays.
Muskoka reacts to major snowfall, hundreds stuck on Highway 11
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shovelling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall on Saturday.
Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss
A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday.
Beef prices reach record highs in Canada
The cost of beef continues to rise, reaching record highs on grocery store shelves ahead of the busiest time for many grocers and butchers before the holiday season.
Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine U.S. dollar
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100 per cent tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar.
Bob Bryar, drummer for rock band My Chemical Romance, dead at 44
Bob Bryar, former drummer for the band My Chemical Romance, has died. He was reportedly 44.
Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, giving four women injections
A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women.
'Disappointing': Toronto speed camera cut down less than 24 hours after being reinstalled
A Toronto speed camera notorious for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers has been cut down again less than 24 hours after it was reinstalled.