Every so often, something happens that reminds us how much goodness still exists in this world. For us at For Little Monkeys Charity, that moment came in the form of a quiet act of generosity, one that asked for no spotlight, no recognition and no applause. A donor, who chose to remain completely anonymous, stepped forward with a gift that changed everything. This support helped transform a simple idea (a warm, whimsical, sensory room where children can feel safe, regulated and free to explore) into a real, tangible space filled with comfort, imagination and joy. In a world that often feels loud, divided, and uncertain, this kind of quiet kindness is powerful. It reminds us that there are people who give simply because they believe in making life better for someone else. Thanks to this anonymous donor, the Bear Hug Sensory Playroom will soon become a sanctuary for a neurodivergent child who needs a moment of calm, a spark of imagination, or a place to feel understood. Their generosity will ripple outward, touching families, caregivers and their entire community.

Bear Hug Sensory Playroom Project
*Design by Natalie from For Little Monkeys Charity*

The space had great potential, and we were excited to transform it for this deserving family. We especially loved the area that they were using as a gym. I knew I could divide it into a dedicated gross motor area when I first saw it. The child we were designing the space for loves animals, and the family requested neutral tones. I felt a forest, whimsical theme would be a perfect way to bring everything together.

Mike, Co-Founder, supporting with all the product and furniture assembly behind the scenes, product delivery for install day and other logistics

Christina Lewis, our wallpaper installation specialist, did a fabulous job with the wallpaper, and her husband, Dave, helped us with the patch and paint in the gross motor area. We’re so grateful to be surrounded by supportive and hard-working people who truly take pride in their work and craft.

Christina, our talented Wallpaper Installation Specialist

Install day with Matt and Kevin from Drake and Co. Renos is always so fun, and the day flies by with lots of laughs. They are so solution-based and find creative ways to bring the design elements and ideas to life.

About the Design

The room was designed to support multiple developmental domains across communication, motor development, sensory regulation, cognition and daily living.

The room included:

Gross motor play structure
Foam pit
Sensory swing
Roller slide
T-swing
Spinning chair
Balance beam
Quiet reading zone and nook
Pretend play zone (kitchen and dress-up area)
Sensory latches board for fine motor skill development
Basketball net

All products were strategically placed with area rugs to warm up the space, with decorative elements like an animal garland, alphabet poster, wall art and animal-themed decorative pillows to tie the forest theme together with the beautiful wallpaper.

Reveal day is always full of anticipation. We invited the anonymous donor to be part of this special day, and it was truly magical. We all had tears in our eyes as we watched L’s reaction. It was the sweetest moment when he pretended to be a bear, growling and clapping with excitement.

A huge thank you to Audra Bradbury from North of 42 Photography, whose beautiful photos captured the heart of our sensory room reveal. Audra is one of those quietly extraordinary people who pour so much into our community behind the scenes, and she deserves far more recognition for the kindness and care she brings to everything she touches.