Combining two things she cares about, Haney's Anne Gordon collected seven boxes of toys for kids at BC Children's Hospital.

The seed for the toy fundraiser was planted when Gordon's daughter wanted to know if Santa Claus visited children in the hospital at Christmas.

Gordon, a TIMES sales representative and zumba instructor, thought about her four years teaching zumba and knew she could use those skills to make Christmas brighter for kids who can't be at home.

On Saturday she led a Zumbathon in Langley. Anyone could come out to enjoy the Latin-inspired dance-style exercise - they just needed to bring an unwrapped toy.

"There were a lot of my regulars, a few new people, and one gal even came up from the U.S.," Gordon said.

More than 25 zumba-enthusiasts came to the event and filled seven large boxes with unwrapped toys for infants to teens.

Gift cards for iTunes and cash were also part of the mix.

Gordon made her special donation drop at BC Children's Hospital on Monday.

"I'll definitely do it again," she said of the event. "Probably for every Christmas."

In her zumba classes, men and women of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels come out to what she calls "exercise in disguise," describing it as "a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party."

Participants in the Zumbathon ranged in age from 18 and up and were all body shapes and sizes, according to Gordon.

Of her first Zumbathon and donating to the hospital, Gordon said, "Knowing that I can contribute and make a kid's Christmas a little brighter, and for the parents too, it's rewarding."

People can still donate gifts for kids at BC Children's Hospital. Visit the hospital's website at www.bcchildrens.ca, click on "contact us", then scroll down to "making a difference." Information about this year's wishlists is available by clicking on "patient entertainment and nonmonetary gifts".

editorial@mrtimes.com