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This blog was originally posted on March 24, 2011 at http://helpnicaraguachildren.blogspot.com/. Please note, Dr Robson is not accepting donations at this time. However, he would greatly appreciate your comments and suggestions in support of his efforts.
Louise purchased a lot of small toys in Calgary and about a quarter of one of our large bags was filled with these small gifts. Most were purchased at the Dollar Store, and were therefore inexpensive.
She purchased soft rubber balls that were covered with a map of the world and she could show the children Nicaragua and Canada. Toddlers love to squeeze these balls during the exam. Bead bracelets were bright-coloured fun for the toddler girls. Dora pens were a big hit with little girls. Small plastic animals and dinosaurs were fun for the little boys. Louise found some cute teething rings and every baby left sucking on a pink or blue ring. There are also wooden trains, small kaleidoscopes, and flashlights with a pen at the other end that she has yet to give out. We are running out fast because siblings need to have a gift too.
Louise searched a lot of stores to find the various toys. Linda MacNaughton, one of her co-workers at the Prostate Cancer Centre, gave Louise some great ideas and she also purchased some of the toys. Thank you Linda!
The toys make a big difference to lessen the anxiety about coming to see the doctor, especially one with white skin and a different language. The majority of children have been very cooperative and the toys have helped with the transition from the mother's arms or her hand to the examination table.
