Donating to SickKids

At SickKids, we try our best to help patients and families feel as welcome and comfortable as they would in their own home. Donations of new toys, electronics, crafts, books, and entertainment help us bring joy and comfort to children throughout their hospital stay or appointment.  

We accept financial donations, as well as donations of brand-new items like toys, books, electronics and gift cards. We also accept donations in recognition of our SickKids staff. 

Donation guidelines

Monetary donations

SickKids is healing the future, through Precision Child Health (PCH). It’s a shift from one-size-fits-all medicine, to health care tailored to each unique child. Support us today to deliver PCH throughout the hospital.

Your donation in support of PCH helps us do three big things:

Diagnose faster

So kids and families feel less stress. And doctors know where to start.

Treat smarter

For less pain and fewer side effects, and faster healing. So kids get better faster.

Predict better

Knowing what’s coming arms SickKids to fight illness even better.

Make a monetary donation

Monetary donation information

For information about monetary donations, tax receipts, updating your information or cancelling your donation, view our FAQs. You can also email us at donor.inquiries@sickkidsfoundation.com or call us at 416-813-6166.

Gift-in-kind donations (toys, books, electronics) 

All donations must be brand new, in their original packaging and recently purchased. Please contact the Donations Coordinator for an up-to-date list of our current needs!

All donations being dropped off or delivered to the hospital must be approved and coordinated by the Donations Coordinator in advance. Donations cannot be dropped off inside or outside the hospital unless a drop-off has been scheduled. Our guidelines have been developed in consideration of our infection control, safety and privacy policies. We are not able to accept items that fall outside of these guidelines. 

Items that are dropped off and do not meet our donation guidelines and acceptance criteria will be shared with our community partner agencies, such as Salvation Army and Toronto Firefighters. 

Contact the Donations Coordinator at donations.coordinator@sickkids.ca for more information.

Entertainment

Entertainment for children at SickKids is of paramount benefit for patients and their families. Often a magic show, craft workshop, musical event, or a visit from their favourite celebrity will be a highlight of the day or even their overall hospital experience.  

If you're interested in providing an entertainment event at SickKids, contact the Events Coordinator at events.coordinator@sickkids.ca for more information.

Food donations to patients and staff 

We cannot accept any food products, dietary supplements, or beverages for the patients at SickKids. This includes unopened, still-in-package food items such as candy and baked goods.  

We do accept food for staff and volunteers. If you are interested in donating food to the staff and/or volunteers at SickKids, first contact the Donations Coordinator at donations.coordinator@sickkids.ca for our guidelines. 

Other ways to support SickKids

5Fifty5 Shop online store

Customers can purchase gifts for their loved ones, while also buying beneficial toy items to support patients and families at SickKids from the 5Fifty5 Shop Patient Wish List. Proceeds from every single purchase at the 5Fifty5 Shop online store – owned and operated by the Women's Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV) – help fund programs that have a direct impact on the patients and families at SickKids.

Visit the 5Fifty5 Shop online store