By Dianne Cornish, REVIEW STAFF

Last Thursday morning, a school bus carrying 17 members of the Tyke 1 Sabres, 16 parents and more than $3,000 worth of toys rolled up to SickKids Hospital on University Avenue. The trip marked the culmination of a community-based fundraising project undertaken by the hockey team, composed of players aged 6 and 7, to show the young patients at the Toronto hospital that they’re on the minds of other youngsters, who want to help where they can.

In November, the team decided to launch the Sabres Care fundraising project by selling blue and yellow wristbands at all their home games leading up to Christmas and, on Dec. 17, players hosted a bake sale and toy drive at the Carlisle Community Centre, raising a whopping $700 for the project.

Last week’s bus trip was arranged to give team members a firsthand look at SickKids and the types of services it provides for children. “The team had a great time,” said Marianne Dietz of Freelton, one of the hockey moms who accompanied them on the hospital visit.

Dietz, whose seven-year-old son, Matthew, is the goalie for the Tyke 1 Sabres, is all too familiar with the Toronto hospital and its world-class expertise in paediatric care. Matthew had major heart surgery there two years ago, making it possible for him to lead a more active life, including the chance to play hockey.

Two child life specialists greeted the Flamborough delegation to SickKids and took the visitors on a brief tour.

There was no opportunity to meet with patients as hospital rules don’t permit children visitors, but Matthew enjoyed a chat with his longtime nurse, Sandra.

Team members visited the facility’s Bear Theatre where they were entertained by hospital clown A. LeBoo, enjoyed a ride on the glassed-in elevator and received thank you certificates on behalf of the staff and patients.

The child life specialists thanked the children and the Flamborough community for their donations, which included DVD players, an iPod, an iPad, digital cameras, gift cards, and a wide assortment of toys suitable for children ranging in age from infancy to 18 years.

“The items that you chose to donate are incredibly thoughtful and will be used throughout the year to ensure that the kids here at the hospital have as much non-medical stuff to think about and do as possible,” said one of the child life workers.

The toys were taken to a large room, where they will be stored with other gifts and electronic equipment until given to patients when they celebrate birthdays, undergo a difficult medical procedure, come out of surgery or take their medications.

Generosity

Dietz said Flamborough residents and area businesses were wonderfully generous in supporting the team’s initiative. Carlisle resident Susan Collette, who also has a son on the team, agreed.

“Everyone worked together on this and we really want to thank the community for their great support.”

The young team, she added, was glad to do what it could to raise awareness of the needs of others and provide some help in meeting those needs.