“Caring for a child with a complex medical condition is a constant balancing act,” shared Starlight mom, Rachael.

Her daughter, Bree, is just 3 years old and lives with Patau syndrome—a rare and life-limiting genetic condition—along with a lung condition and epilepsy. She is also non-verbal, fed through a G-tube, and relies on a wheelchair stroller to navigate the world—facing more in a day than many do in a lifetime.

For her family, life is a delicate rhythm of hospital visits, treatments, and ongoing care. It often leaves little room for the simple moments—laughter, play, or time together as a family. But on the days that feel almost impossible, it’s the support from Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, caring partners like Toys“R”Us Canada, and people like you that reminds their family they’re not alone.

Earlier this month, Bree was one of 55 Starlight children across Canada who were invited to their local Toys“R”Us Canada store for a special Mother’s Day celebration—a heartfelt event honouring moms like Rachael. Each child received a gift card to shop for something special, and families enjoyed a joyful colouring activity surrounded by friendly faces and a community that truly cares.

“When so much of our daily focus is on medical care and management, planning special days to focus on fun can be hard to make a priority,” said Rachael. “Having a day that’s about joy, play, and normalcy is such a gift. Starlight and Toys“R”Us Canada remind us that we’re not alone, and that our child’s life—our lives—are valued and celebrated. They help our family feel included and seen.”

It’s this deep understanding—of how powerful joy, inclusion, and community truly are—that continues to inspire Toys“R”Us Canada to stand by families when it matters most.

Until June 5, when you pick up a colouring page at any Toys“R”Us Canada store and share your finished masterpiece on social media, you’ll be entered to WIN a $500 gift card—and gift one to a Starlight child in your community, just like Bree.

Because after more than 25 years of partnership with Starlight Canada, Toys“R”Us Canada knows how life-changing a single moment of happiness can be for a family like Bree’s—and they want you to be part of making those moments possible. Across the country, customers are also invited to join them by donating at checkout to help fund even more magical experiences through Starlight programs for families just like Bree’s:

From special Day Brightener Wishes, like watching the Toronto Raptors from a private suite, to exclusive VIP shopping trips at Toys“R”Us Canada as part of a Great Escapes Wish—shared alongside other families who truly understand the journey—these experiences give Bree’s family something truly previous: time together.

In a world that often revolves around medical routines, machines, and appointments, these moments offer a rare and beautiful pause. They allow families like Bree’s to step outside the clinical, and into the magical.

You have the power to create that joy, and let kids just be kids. Donate now at give.starlightcanada.org and help a child like Bree feel seen, celebrated, and surrounded by love—even on their hardest days. Because one moment can mean the world.