It’s never too early to teach kids about philanthropy

Many people focus on charity during the holidays, and that’s no exception for local mom Rosanna O’Higgins and her family. She feels strongly about teaching her children about the value of giving back to the community and believes it’s something everyone should consider. 

“We all focus on helping our kids succeed in life – get good grades, get first place, be the best etc. – but we don’t place as much importance on doing good things, and thinking of others,” she says. “Kids have a desire to give back and do good things for others, but they need to be taught how to do that.”

So when she heard about the Love Boxes project through other moms at her children’s school and through Facebook, she jumped at the chance to get her three children involved.

Love Boxes are filled with toys and comfort items and help bring happiness to children staying at Michael Garron Hospital. They’re part of the Super Sophia Project, started by Pickering resident Nicolle Georgiev as a way to cope when her daughter, Sophia, now seven, was fighting childhood leukemia. Nicolle began making “Super Sophia” scrubs for kids fighting cancer – and the project grew to involve many more ways to bring sick children comfort, including Love Boxes.

Rosanna and her family are also involved with giving back in other ways in their church and community throughout the year.

“I want my kids to know that giving to others isn’t just a once a year thing,” she says. “Deep down, we all want to help others, but if we’re not constantly giving and sharing, it’s easy to get out of practice.”

Rosanna is grateful to be able to give back to Michael Garron Hospital—a place where she and her family turn to without hesitation when they need excellent healthcare.

“We’re extremely lucky that we have this type of care right here in our neighbhourhood. This is our go-to hospital – and we’ve consistently received great care,” she says. ”And being able to show my kids that they can help children being treated at the hospital through the Love Boxes project , is a valuable life lesson.”

If you’re looking for ways to teach your children about the value of generosity, giving health to your community is a great way to start. Your family can support Michael Garron Hospital in a number of ways – like hosting an ECHOage birthday party, a lemonade stand, or other event. Our team can help you with tools, information, and support! Contact us at @email for more information.