Kingston-area Shoppers Drug Mart owners are spreading holiday joy at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) by donating more than 100 toys to young patients.

What began with Adam Doyle, a local Shoppers pharmacist and owner, has grown into a heartfelt tradition supported by 11 stores across Kingston, providing thousands of dollars in toys to pediatric patients spending the holidays in the hospital.

“We like to work with University Hospitals Kingston Foundation to provide kids with toys during the Christmas holidays,” says Adam. “We're really thankful to be able to be in a position to give back to the community that serves us.”

This act of generosity is part of Shoppers Drug Mart’s ongoing commitment to health care. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised by Shoppers Drug Mart—through programs like Tree of Life, Love You and the Shoppers Foundation for Woman's Health— for Kingston hospitals.

“We’ve been donating toys for years because, come holiday season, the pediatric patients that have been in the hospital for such a long time are not able to celebrate the holidays at home, which is so important for kids,” said Krina Vaghela, a Shoppers Drug Mart associate owner. “We’re just bringing a little piece of home and a little bit of comfort to them during a hard time.”

Spreading a little holiday cheer can go a long way to help both kids and their families in the hospital.

“Every year, these toys bring joy to our young patients during the holiday season,” says Melanie Darling, KHSC Program Manager, Child & Youth Mental Health & Addiction Program. “This generous donation lights up their smiles and hearts, making their hospital stay a little brighter. Thank you to the people at Shoppers Drug Mart for reminding us all about the power of giving and the warmth of community.”