MacEwan’s Create for Kids spreads joy to children in hospitals
Students at MacEwan University participate in Create for Kids’ card-making event, crafting personalized messages for children in pediatric hospitals. Photo by Melanie Wright/Edmonton Edge
A newly formed organization, Create for Kids, made its debut at MacEwan University this fall, supporting children in pediatric hospitals by delivering handmade cards and care packages.
Founded in August by MacEwan student Amanni Chaaban, the group seeks to bring joy to young patients while offering students meaningful volunteer opportunities.
“Our mission is to spread positivity and offer support to children going through tough times,” Chaaban said. The group recently participated in the student expo, where attendees created cards for children in hospitals.
Recently, Create for Kids hosted two events: the “Cards for Kids Card Drive & Cookie Sale” fundraiser Sept. 27 in the Student Lounge at the SAMU Building and “Sisters Art Night for Kids,” a craft-making event held in collaboration with the Muslim Student Organization Oct. 4.
At both events, participants bought cookies for $2 each while creating personalized cards for hospitalized children. According to Chaaban, 90 per cent of the proceeds went to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, with the remaining ten per cent funding art supplies for future projects. At the events, volunteers were on hand to guide participants through the card-making process.
The group plans to expand its efforts by organizing opportunities for volunteers to deliver cards directly to pediatric patients. “We’re working on arranging visits so that our volunteers can interact directly with the children,” Chaaban said. “This way, they can see the joy they’re spreading firsthand.”
Chaaban, inspired by her own experience as a patient at the Stollery, hopes to grow Create for Kids. “I saw the impact a little positivity can have,” she said. “This group is a way for everyone to come together, give back, and create something beautiful.”
Ethyn Ames, another executive member, echoed Chaaban’s sentiments. “This organization speaks for itself,” he said. “We’re making a positive impact, and people are excited to get involved.”
According to Chaaban, with over 110 sign-ups from MacEwan and other universities, Create for Kids is quickly gaining momentum and expanding its outreach to communities across Edmonton.
