Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of non-monetary donations does the Children’s Hospital accept?
A: Toys: New toys and new stuffed animals are accepted. Used toys must be gently used, clean, and not be missing any parts. All toys must be age appropriate and safe. We do not accept aggressive toys, eg. toy weapons or violent video games/DVD movies. We do not accept toys with small parts for use with very young children.
Knitting and Sewing: donations of newly-sewn items such as quilts and blankets, pajama pants, slings, and more ranging in size from preemie to adult-size (for teens), are gratefully accepted. Knit slippers and afghans are also accepted. For a full list of items or for more information please call 787-4000
Stuffed Animals: We only accept donations of brand NEW stuffed animals for infection control reasons. Used stuffed animals, even if just sitting on a shelf, collect allergens and dust and cannot be accepted.
Alternative places to send used stuffed animals are the Nearly New Shop at 961 Portage Avenue, run by the McKinnon Guild. Other suggestions for used toys: Rossbrook House, Ronald McDonald House, Wolseley Family Place, West Broadway Youth Outreach, Flora House, Osborne House, day cares, etc.
Books: We may accept some used books in very good condition for waiting rooms or the library. You can check by calling 787-1012. Donations to the Children’s Hospital Book Market should be dropped off at any Winnipeg Fire Station, Dufresne’s and some Salisbury House locations. They can be dropped off year round.
Food and Holiday Treats: Only commercially made and wrapped candy and treats will be accepted as donations for special occasions, eg. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc., leading up to and on the day of celebration. We do not accept donations of holiday treats after the holiday. No donations of food containing nuts or nut products shall be accepted for distribution to the patients, due to allergy risks.
Drop-off: Donations meeting the above criteria may be dropped off at the front desk at 840 Sherbrook St. between 8:30 and 4:30 p.m. Please mark the donation to the attention of the Child Life Dept. and ensure that you include your name and address so that the Child Life department can send you a thank you acknowledgment. After hours: Please mark your donations as above, and drop off at Children’s Emergency on William Avenue.
Q: When is the next Book Market date and where will it be held?
A: Visit the Children's Hospital Book Market page to find out about the next paperback sale.
Q: Can I make a donation in honour of someone?
A: Yes. When making this type of donation please state whether you are giving a Memorial Gift or an Honour Gift, as well as who the gift is in recognition of, and the name of the person or group who is providing the gift (so that we can send that person a Thank You Card).
Q: My school/workplace would like to plan a fundraiser but we need help with ideas.
A: Our Development Coordinator, Lori Derksen, would be happy to answer any questions regarding fundraising activities or third-party events. She can be reached at 787-4096 or lderksen2@hsc.mb.ca.
Q: I’m getting married. I’d like to do something special at my reception to help raise funds for the Children’s Hospital.
A: There are two ways that you can help:
In lieu of wedding favours, you may choose to give donations to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. If you choose to do this, cards will be provided for each table at your reception.
Alternately, some brides and grooms choose to encourage donations instead of clinking glasses to kiss.
If you require further information please contact our Development Coordinator Lori Derksen at 787-4096 or lderksen2@hsc.mb.ca.
Q: I would like to volunteer. What do I need to do?
A: If you would like to volunteer within Children’s Hospital, you will need to go through HSC Volunteer Services. You can call them at 787-3533. Children's Hospital volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and have a criminal record check and child abuse registry check. For more information visit HSC Volunteer Services.
If you want to volunteer at the Teddy Bears' Picnic, please email your information to lderksen@hsc.mb.ca .
If you want to volunteer at any of our events or for information on sewing or knitting items for the Children’s Hospital, please call 787-4000.