ActiveNest spreads holiday joy with children’s toy drive
Published:Saturday | January 6, 2024 | 12:06 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
ActiveNest is not your typical wellness company. The company was born from the belief that getting fit should be fun, not a chore. This belief has led the owners to offer a variety of classes and training programmes designed to help individuals and corporate entities with their overall wellness. Over the Christmas season, the wellness company organised a toy drive for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.
“It was not just about collecting gifts; it was about injecting a dose of holiday magic into the lives of brave kids facing unimaginable challenges. This initiative wasn’t just about spreading Christmas cheer, it was about embodying the true spirit of community, one toy, one smile, one act of love at a time,” Managing Director Mikhail Russell told GoodHeart.
ActiveNest distributed gifts to over 100 children at the hospital. Russell explained, “Initially, our focus was on obtaining only 30 gifts for both inpatients and outpatients of the oncology ward. However, we ended up receiving well over 100 gifts.”
The toy drive marked the inaugural event in a series of initiatives that the company had scheduled for 2023-24. Among the contributions were action figures, dolls, games, puzzles, and various other gift-wrapped toys. The organisation aimed to provide toys for children ages 2 to 14 years old.
“We had overwhelming support from our members and friends, who all contributed over 100 gifts! It is truly heartwarming seeing the community coming together in this way to spread Christmas joy. Knowing these children would be met with a new toy to play with, to bring a moment of normalcy amidst their journey was a powerful reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference,” Russell said.
Other upcoming projects include organising a school supply drive for students. Additionally, there are plans to collaborate with various children’s homes across the Corporate Area, providing essential items and mentorship to address the needs of the community.
“At ActiveNest, our mandate isn’t just about fitness. It’s about cultivating a thriving community, a nest where all feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. We will continue nurturing this ‘Nest’ through diverse and engaging programmes for our members, while spreading our wings through initiatives like the ActiveNest Toy Drive,” Russell shared.
“Every smile, every connection, every act of kindness strengthens the web of the community, reminding us that well-being thrives not just within our walls, but across the whole neighbourhood,” he added.
For more information about ActiveNest, you may contact Mikhail Russell at activenests@gmail.com or via phone at 876-305-6692.