About

Amanda Patrick launched Gift-a-Family in 2023 in memory of three young children who lost their lives in her Barrie home when she was just 13 while playing an innocent game of hide-and-seek. Rooted in her own childhood experiences of resilience, the campaign was created to give kids in Simcoe County the full Christmas experience to make them feel special, boost their self-esteem and self-worth. We match individuals, families and companies with nominated families with children who otherwise wouldn’t have a Christmas.

They use a personalized wishlist to shop, a private 1:1 chat with the parents to personalize every detail, and a special experience when they look into the eyes of the person they’ve donated to on drop-off day. Today, Gift-a-Family not only ensures children feel seen and celebrated at Christmas, but also spreads awareness around home safety so that no family has to endure a similar tragedy. Amanda is most proud to share this mission with her son Weston, who joins her in giving back to the community.

In Memory of the Children Who

Inspired Gift-a-Family

Renee (Age: 3)

Renee was the cutest little girl with big brown eyes and long lashes, with a happy and gentle soul that sparkled. She loved everyone and was a true thief of hearts. Renee enjoyed reading books, coloring, helping in the kitchen with cooking and baking, and playing dress-up — always emerging from her room in a new outfit. She loved swimming, tobogganing, and cuddling up with a book after bath time. Most of all, Renee adored her large family and her friends, spending countless hours riding bikes, skipping, playing with chalk, and laughing together. Renee’s short years were filled with joy, kindness, and love, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and connection.

Pauly (Age: 4)

Pauly was a little boy with a heart full of love and a spirit for adventure and an avid Spiderman fan. He adored his siblings and found pure joy in exploring the world with them. Known for his kindness, Pauly’s love shone brightest when comforting his sister with his tight hugs until her tears turned to smiles. Though Spiderman was his hero, to everyone who knew him, Pauly was the real superhero. He loved watching A Bug’s Life and finding wonder in the simple, everyday things. His caring nature, gentle hugs, and loving presence continue to remind us how one small heart can change the world.

Kambel (Age: 7)

Kambel was a gentle soul with a quiet strength. Though shy at first, once she felt safe, she blossomed into someone who made everyone feel included. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a helping hand, ensuring no one felt left out. Her love for Winnie the Pooh reflected her own tender heart — always looking for ways to spread joy and make others feel good. Kambel found happiness in seeing others smile, making people feel seen and valued wherever she went. Her lasting gift to the world is the way she made others feel loved and important.

Letter from

April & Anita

We are the moms of Renee, Paul and Kambel. We fully support Amanda Patrick’s Gift-a-Family Campaign in honor of our beautiful children and her mission to improve the lives of kids in our community.

Here is our story.

Twenty-three years ago, there was a tragedy in Barrie, Ontario that forever and deeply affected the hearts of our community and beyond. changed our lives

Our three young children were playing a game of hide and seek, as innocently as we all did as kids. Our beautiful children decided to hide together in a wooden chest, much like the Tickle Trunk we all know and loved from the popular kids show, Mr. Dress Up. After the lid was closed, our three children were huddled in the cramped chest with no air holes as they excitedly waited for someone to find them and end the game.

But an invisible clock started ticking the moment the lid closed. You see, when you breathe, you exhale carbon dioxide. When there is too much that in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon dioxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.

With our three kids being in such a confined space together, all three fell asleep, suffocated, and died. They were 7, 4 and 3 years old. It took less than 8 minutes. If you are blessed with children, you know that even the thought of losing them is too painful to bear. For us, the pain is truly unimaginable.

Anything with a lid or latch – we urge you to please drill some holes for air. This simple act can be the difference between life and death for your child. This is why we’re sharing our story.

Your children are blessings that you are so lucky to have, enjoy your precious gifts every second of every day! Always make sure they see your eyes light up when they enter the room. Hug and kiss them, tell them how much you love them. Let the little things go.

With Love from moms of Angels,

April & Anita

From the Hearts of

Grateful Parents

These heartfelt words from parents remind us why Gift-a-Family exists—to bring hope, joy, and dignity to families when they need it most.

I can’t even describe how thankful I am. I’ve been crying for the last 20 minutes. This is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for us. You are truly angels. Thank you from the deepest parts of my heart for helping us and ensuring our babies have a Christmas. There are no words for how grateful we are. ❤️

Your kindness and generosity will stay with me forever. I can’t remember the last time anyone has shown me any kindness. You truly made a difference in our lives. ❤️

Merry Christmas!!!! The smiles on these kids’ faces are something I’ll never forget, and none of it would have been possible without you. This has been such an amazing Christmas, and I don’t even know how I can begin to express how grateful I am. From the bottom of my heart — thank you. ❤️

My son was so amazed with all of the gifts. I’ve never heard him scream so much in joy! His laughs and little giggles were so pure. What you have done for my family is amazing and I genuinely can’t stop tearing up.

Hi there! thank you so much for this gift. My family and I are extremely blessed to have this opportunity to give my children a beautiful Christmas. We were not expecting this at all and this year has been extremely tough.

You brought so much joy and warmth into our home. Honestly, I’ve cried more happy tears than I can count. Seeing my kids’ smiles and feeling so cared for has been such a blessing. I can’t thank you enough for making this Christmas so special for us.”

Honestly, it was amazing to see their faces. Even in the midst of hard times, we had an amazing day. Thank you beyond. ❤️

Thank you so much again! From the bottom of my heart I am so grateful for all your help. I hope you had a Merry Christmas!!

I would like first of all to thank you kindly for aiding in our time of need ❤️ There are no words to describe how much relief this is going to bring me — to be able to provide a Christmas for Avery.

If I will, I thank you very much for everything. My daughters and I have gone through something very difficult. We escaped from our country because my ex-partner hit me. I almost died that last night. I know this will fill them with joy because they are very happy. They already sent a letter to the person sponsoring us, thanking them for everything.

Thank you so much! This has been extremely stressful this year. This makes such a difference for us. I honestly don’t know what to say — except thank you.

Hi Amanda, everything went absolutely amazing! I am so grateful for what you did for my girls and me, and I won’t ever forget this ❤️ Our sponsor Whitney is phenomenal — so kind, with such a big heart. We truly couldn’t have asked for anything more.

You saved Christmas for our family this year, and I can’t wait until I’m able to do the same for another family someday.

We can’t thank you enough. The day has been amazing — we are truly so blessed. Thank you so much! We hope you all had a great Christmas!

Thank you again so so very much. I’m so grateful and don’t really have any super eloquent words to convey how grateful I really am, but just know that you’ve made a hugely positive impact on our holiday.