What began as a small birthday gesture has grown into a full-blown community tradition.
Ten-year-old Kinley celebrated a milestone this weekend with the 10th annual Kinley’s Toy Drive in support of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, filling an ambulance with donated toys and spreading smiles in every direction.
Held at the Kindersley Mall, the event drew hundreds of residents for a day of giving and fun, including face painting, bouncy castles, a prize raffle and a chance to “paint the police cruiser.” The Flatlanders Speedway also got in on the action, hosting a show and shine with category winners and prize giveaways every few hours.
“It’s been great,” said Kinley’s mom, Candice Hildebrandt, who helped organize the event. “All the people volunteering, the EMS helping out with the toy drive—it’s amazing to see everyone come together and support us year after year.”
The toy drive began a decade ago when Kinly was just a baby. After spending extended time at the children’s hospital, her family noticed that toys and donations weren’t always available for young patients.
“For one of her birthdays, we asked people to bring donations instead of gifts,” said Candice Hildebrandt. “We had so much that we brought them to the hospital—and then it just kind of turned into a yearly thing. It’s gotten bigger and bigger ever since.”
This year’s toy haul will be delivered next week by Kinley and her mom to the hospital in Saskatoon, providing comfort to kids who need it most.
Candish-Hildebrandt had one final message: “Thank you to everybody. We couldn’t do this without you.”
