\n\tSome local kids got a jump on Christmas morning this weekend.<\/p>\n
\n\tToys “R” Us opened its doors early Sunday for a sensory-friendly shopping spree in partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe 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.<\/p>\n
\n\t“It’s having a sensory-friendly event where kids can be themselves, where there’s no judgment,” said Starlight Canada volunteer Greg Plante.<\/p>\n
\n\t“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.<\/p>\n
\n\t“And that’s what these events are really all about.”<\/p>\n
\n\tEach child from each family was given $50 to spend in the store while volunteers in cosplay entertained families in the aisles.<\/p>\n
\n\tEven Santa himself stopped by for a pre-Christmas visit.<\/p>\n
\n\tPlante knows personally how much the event means to families, as his son John was born with a developmental disorder.<\/p>\n
\n\t“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.”<\/p>\n
\n\tStarlight 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.<\/p>\n
\n\tPlante said, for families like his, the spree isn’t just about scoring toys \u2013 it’s a time for connection.<\/p>\n
\n\t“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.”<\/p>\n
\n\tTo date, more than $28 million has been raised for the charity.<\/p>\n
\n\t“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.”<\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information on the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, click here. \u00a0<\/p>\n