As the festive season draws near, many of us look forward to spending time with loved ones, sharing special moments, and celebrating together. Yet for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families, this time of year can bring added challenges, uncertainty, and time spent away from home. Through CANSA’s Tiny Lives Cherished Festive Season Project, we aim to remind these brave young patients and their families that they are not alone.
How You Can Help
Decide
Who will you buy a gift for?
a young cancer patient (ages range from 3 months to 17 years of age)
the sibling of a young cancer patient
a boy
a girl
gender neutral (suitable for boy or girl)
Buy
Purchase an age-appropriate gift for a child or teen cancer patient – please take safety criteria into account when purchasing gifts for these immuno-compromised children / teens*
or
Purchase an age-appropriate gift for the sibling of a young cancer patient
*Safety criteria:
To help protect children whose immune systems may be compromised during treatment, we kindly request that no fluffy or soft toys be donated.
All toys should be new, in their original packaging, and easy to clean or disinfect.
Activity-based gifts such as puzzles, colouring sets, craft kits, games, and other engaging activities are especially appreciated, as they help children pass the time during hospital stays.
For teenagers, books, journals, and age-appropriate activities are wonderful options that can provide entertainment, comfort, and a positive distraction during treatment and recovery.
Wrap and Mark Gift
Please take the time to wrap the gift and clearly mark it, with love.
Mark gift: indicate on a gift tag, whether the gift is for a boy or girl or gender-neutral / a cancer patient or sibling of a cancer patient / the age of the indented gift recipient
You are welcome to add an age appropriate message of hope (please place this on the outside of the gift in an envelope)
Help Make This Festive Season Brighter for Young Cancer Patients
As the festive season draws near, many of us look forward to spending time with loved ones, sharing special moments, and celebrating together. Yet for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families, this time of year can bring added challenges, uncertainty, and time spent away from home. Through CANSA’s Tiny Lives Cherished Festive Season Project, we aim to remind these brave young patients and their families that they are not alone.
Deliver
Deliver your gift to the nearest CANSA Care Centre or CANSA TLC facility / supported TLC Ward.
Cut Off for 2026 Festive Season:
Please deliver your gifts by 25 November 2026 to ensure we have time to distribute to the young recipients in the area.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make a difference. Your generosity and compassion bring comfort, hope, and a sense of joy to children facing cancer and their families during a particularly difficult time of year.
Because Cancer Doesn’t Take a Holiday.
