Toowoomba mum launches toy drive for kids battling cancer

A Highfields mum knows all too well how a toy can light up the face of a young child facing cancer, with her two-year-old battling leukaemia. She has now launched Project Toy Drive. Find out how you can help.

Karlie Ross is sharing the' raw, unfiltered journey of childhood cancer' as her daughter Ellie faces the battle of a lifetime at the age of two.

A Highfields mum has launched a project to collect toys for brave children battling cancer.

Karlie Ross started Project Toy Drive earlier this week as part of her The Ellie Project initiative.

Her daughter, two-year-old Ellie Ross is battling leukaemia at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

She has a long road ahead and Mrs Ross begun sharing her journey through The Ellie Project Facebook page and aims to advocate for paediatric oncology services in regional towns like Toowoomba.

Ellie Ross in hospital, surrounded by toys.

Project Toy Drive is an initiative to collect brand new toys and gift vouchers that can be donated to both the charity organisation Bravery Box as well as the Toowoomba Hospital’s Oncology Unit to remind children suffering with cancer of their bravery.

The Bravery Box is a box of rewards donated by the public to reward a child when faced with a painful or confronting procedure.

It helps a child feel distracted, rewarded and recognised for the bravery that cancer treatment requires of them.

Mrs Ross said it was about supporting children at their toughest times.

“Toys cheer up kids. Even at their lowest and sickest point, a toy can bring a smile to a little one’s face,” she said.

“Ellie likes three things about attending hospital. She loves her two oncologists who play games with her, she loves the complimentary snacks and she loves her bravery present.”

The Toy Drive will be part of The Paddock’s first birthday celebrations on Saturday, June 5 from 9am.

Residents are invited to come along to 224 Ruthven St and celebrate the business’ birthday as well as donate to the drive.

Mrs Ross said any donations had to be brand new due to the children receiving them being immunocompromised.

“Our kids are immunocompromised and will catch anything and everything,” she said.

Karlie Ross with her daughter Ellie.

“When choosing new toys, please opt for things that are in packaging rather than loose items. This helps us clean and sterilise them to make them safe for oncology kids.

“My big wish is I would really encourage you to attach a little note to say who it’s from and that you’re thinking of the child who receives your special gift.

“When Ellie receives a Bravery Box gift in hospital, my favourite part is reading who it’s from and sometimes those special people write us kind thoughts and prayers.

“They make my day and make me feel less alone.”

If you aren’t able to make it on the day, you can drop off any toys or gifts to Profile Hair Design.

For more information search The Ellie Project on Facebook.

TOY AND GIFT VOUCHER IDEAS

Suggestions for teens

Gift cards to …

- Food delivery services such as Doordash, Uber

- A place to buy games such as EB, Kmart, Big W, Target, JB Hi-Fi

- Online TV services such as Binge, Netflix, Stan

- Itunes or Spotify

- Google Play

- Item shops such Typo, Dymocks, Qbd

Suggestions for children

- Colouring in books

- Colouring stationery

- Play dough

- Earphones/headphones

- Puzzle books

- Jigsaw puzzles

- Cool socks