On Monday night I had the opportunity to attend the media launch of "Lock In Your Love for Sick Kids" at Vaughan Mills. Located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, Vaughan Mills is a premium outlet mall with so many stores that I actually can't shop the whole mall in one sitting. Keep reading to hear a bit about my shopping experience, and to learn about their very worthy cause!
When I arrived I was greeted by an array of yummy, family friendly snacks, a beautiful wall full of locks, and a whole bunch of other bloggers. I really enjoyed chatting with some of the other bloggers-- usually I attend events with basically the same circle of beauty bloggers. I actually didn't know anybody at this event, so I really enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone and getting to know some mommy bloggers and learning about their niche. After all, today I am a beauty blogger, but you never know where life could have me in five years! Always good to be prepared ;)
Every lock tells a story. Some have encouraging messages such as "Keep up the Fight", others have simply a name, or a couple written on it. While we will never know the story behind every lock, I think the thing to keep in mind is that every lock was placed there by a person, and every lock has a story. If a lock says "Tyler <3" was it left by Tyler, was it left by somebody close to a child named Tyler who spent time at Sick Kids?
I spent some time at the event looking at the locks. There were so many to look at, all colourful and lovingly done. It reminded me of a love lock bridge I saw in Frankfurt where I left a lock a few years back for Stuart and myself when I had a flight layover from Tel Aviv. When we are in Europe next summer I want us to leave a lock, but in the mean time this is way closer than Paris.
I really liked this one that said "Win the Fight". That's something everybody hopes for when a loved child goes to Sick Kids.
The Love Lock kiosk is located at the 4A entry (by the Nike, just past Designer Shoe Wearhouse). You can purchase a lock for $15/2 for $25, with all proceeds going to Sick Kids. As a thank you, you will receive key for your lock, and a necklace with an encouraging phrase such as "hero", "dream", "love" or "Best" and "Friend" ($18). Additionally Santa's photo package proceeds will also be donated to Sick Kids. I chose "Love" for me and "Dream" for my little cousin.
The first lock I made just has my name, and my boyfriend's name written in gold on a blue lock.
I signed their guest book with an encouraging note.
And then I locked my lock on the wall. You may be interested to know that when this campaign is over on December 24th that the walls full of locks will be donated to Sick Kids, and hopefully displayed with love at their hospital.
A closer look at some of the locks.
I was pretty proud of this artsy photo I took.
After getting my lock up it was time for some treats! I really enjoyed these jello cups with a layer of custard and whip cream!
And cupcakes!!!
But best of all...
Design your own ~fancy~ hot chocolate. It was so easy, and so fun. I will have to keep this in mind for future events and parties. I mean, I think I did a pretty good job!
On the way out I did one more lock in honour of my little cousin, who was a Sick Kid and who now is a crazy, adorable, active little kid. I actually forgot that she was a Sick Kid because she is so full of life. I have an extra little necklace to give to her mom at Christmas to hold on for her. Sick Kids does amazing work. The reason I forgot she spent some time there is that they did such great work that the idea doesn't even cross your mind.
If you want to join me at this event, I included it in my Vlogmas weekly Vlog #2 video (starts at 10:30). There was this amazing acapella group that you just have to listen to! (Included in the video).
As a thank you for attending the event I was gifted a Vaughan Mills mall gift card. I will be doing a haul on my channel of what I bought, but quick summary: boots, tea stuff, a bra, some pretty necklaces, and some other little goodies.
If you are in the area, drop by Vaughan Mills and leave a lock celebrating somebody you love. This would also be the prefect gift for teachers, grandparents, and anybody else who is hard to shop for! Plus-- creating your lock is really fun.
Let me know if you will be dropping by, and if it is a bit too far for you, how do you like to give back over the holidays?
I was gifted a gift card in exchange for writing this post. All opinions are my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment