“It only takes one person to inspire someone.”

Those are the words of Kathy Bulmer, a London mother of two, who lost her daughter Courtney to cancer. Kathy is channelling her grief and memories into an initiative that will help many sick children at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre.

In honour of her daughter Courtney, Kathy created Courtney’s Comfort and Craft Campaign to collect books and art and craft supplies. Kathy said she was inspired by her daughter’s vibrant and giving personality to launch the campaign that runs until April 20.

Courtney was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma in 2006 at age 14, and died the following year. Through her long stays with Courtney at Children’s Hospital, Kathy saw what her daughter and other patients experienced.

“These kids are afraid and scared,” she said. “(They) have no creative outlet to express themselves, their feelings.”

Kathy noticed toys and supplies were sometimes in short supply in the hospital’s playrooms.

She has collected large donations from Value Village, Goodwill and Mastermind Toys, as well as smaller ones from individual donors. Transport company Robert Q is donating a bus April 20 to drop off donations at the hospital.

Recommended items include crayons, colouring books and craft kits.

The Children’s Health Foundation has run the art therapy program at the hospital for 36 years.

“We put in so much effort into raising funds to buy new supplies,” said Shaun McGill, the foundation’s communications director.

Therapy is a great way for children to take a break from their treatments, he said.

“It’s great rehabilitation for the kids to draw pictures of their feelings, or their daily lives.”

Kathy said the campaign will make a difference for many young patients.

“People don’t realize how much hospitals need this stuff — they will always need this stuff.”

How to help

What: Courtney’s Comfort and Craft Campaign

When: To April 20

What: Appeal for donations of colouring books, craft kits, stickers, crayons and other items

Why: For patients at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, in memory of Courtney Bulmer

How: Donors can contact Kathy Bulmer at court24@hotmail.ca