Law students set up Facebook page dedicated to helping kids

Over the last week, University of Saskatchewan Law School students Allyse Cruise and Courtenay Catlin saw and heard some of the challenging times local parents were experiencing working from home, and also trying to take care of their children.

Then they wondered how challenging it must be for parents who can’t afford to buy their kid’s toys, video games or other items that could keep them busy while at home.

“We thought, this may be a really difficult time for children,” explains Allyse, “and so that was really the kind of the impetus for why we wanted to start a children’s focused group.”

The two then contacted Austin Cooper, one of the founders of the YXE Community Response COVID-19 Facebook page, who allowed them to solicit donations and to communicate with other non-profit groups.

Cruise and Catlin received toys and hundreds of dollars from fellow law students, faculty members, family and the public. One woman even donated $500.

“We then reached out to Village Green (thrift store), and they allowed us to shop via FaceTime through all of their toys and they allowed us to do a big pickup yesterday.”

The toys have now been quarantined in a special room in their apartment building for several days, and will then be wrapped in separate plastic bags and boxes prior to delivery.

They’ve been able to buy not only toys but puzzles, board games and other items.

“We also have a lot of art supplies. Our initial thought was maybe families wouldn’t want to get too messy in the home, but as we’ve been reaching out individually they’ve really, really enjoyed the art supplies.”

They’re also hoping for donations of sporting goods or other items to promote physical activity.

While Cruise and Catlin are doing their best to have toys disinfected, they encourage families receiving them to do so again at home.

“We message the parents we’re in communication with, before dropping off the toy package.”

So far, they’ve made a dozen deliveries in and around the Saskatoon area. Law students Madison Miller and Will Hampton have helped make deliveries outside of the city.

Parents who think they could benefit from a package can contact Cruise and Catlin through their new Facebook page called “YXE Community Response for Kids.”