Our Stories
Healthier Children. A Better World.™
Our Donors
2010 Donor Spotlight Archive
For the week of Aug 23, 2010
CAA South Central Ontario
For more than 100 years, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has been meeting and exceeding the needs of Canada's motoring and travelling public through its roadside assistance, automotive, insurance and travel businesses.
Last spring, CAA SCO Executives decided to challenge their staff to raise funds for the communities in which they operate. Through bake sales, a paper icon campaign, a golf tournament and many other innovative initiatives, the employees exceeded expectations! The golf tournament has now become an annual fundraiser.
This year’s golf tournament will be held on Tuesday, September 21, in support of the Brain & Behaviour Centre at SickKids. Thank you to CAA South Central Ontario for its generosity and unparallel innovation!
For the week of Aug 9, 2010
Dairy Queen
Since 1984, Dairy Queen and its network of passionate franchisees have raised funds to support The Hospital for Sick Children through our partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network.
In 2009, Dairy Queen raised more than $300,000 for SickKids through its annual one-day national event, Miracle Treat Day. On this day, proceeds from Blizzard® sales are donated to local children's hospitals.
This year, Dairy Queen's 8th Annual Miracle Treat Day is on Thursday, August 12. Mark your calendars and indulge in a cool treat in support of SickKids!
I-Slam Athletics
The I-Slam Hockey league wanted to help make a difference in the lives of patients at The Hospital for Sick Children. Over the last two seasons, they've been collecting funds for the SickKids Research & Learning Tower, one of the most important capital campaigns in the history of SickKids. To date, they've collected $10,000 to put towards the Tower.
Thank you to the I-Slam Hockey league for their commitment to SickKids and their incredible support of the Research & Learning Tower Campaign.
For the week of July 19, 2010
Suncor
Suncor is a unique and sustainable energy company that has been a proud supporter of SickKids Foundation since 1986. The Air for Charity program, proudly supported by Suncor, has raised funds for SickKids by donating a percentage of proceeds from all tire inflations at Suncor Sunoco locations. Suncor Energy Foundation matched the donation.
The dollars raised were used to support the highest priority needs of the Foundation, which helps The Hospital for Sick Children remain a world leader in children's health research, education and care.
For the week of July 12, 2010
Metro Ontario Inc.
Metro Ontario Inc. is proud to have supported Safe Kids Canada. Metro. Metro’s vision is to be the best community food retailer and as part of that promise, it makes an effort to give back to its communities. From 2003 to 2007, Metro Ontario has raised $1.5 million for Safe Kids Canada - thank you for your generous support!!
For the week of July 5, 2010
BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is a longtime supporter of SickKids Foundation. Dating back to the Foundation's first records, the BMO name can be found.
BMO announced a $2-million gift to SickKids in 2007, which established the BMO Financial Group Chair in Cardiology. World-renowned SickKids clinician and researcher, Dr. Andrew Redington, was named the inaugural Chair holder. This Chair is endowed in perpetuity and will generate funds to allow further understanding of congenital heart disease and heart function for children today, and in the future.
The Starlight Children's Foundation
The Starlight Children's Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, lift spirits, foster a sense of community and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness.
Each year, the Starlight Children's Foundation provides support to The Hospital for Sick Children through many initiatives including: emergency admit kits, the Starlight Room, donations of arts, crafts, games and laptops, gifts through the Starlight Grant program to support the needs of the Child Life program at the Hospital and Starlight Fun Centers. The Starlight Fun Center is a mobile entertainment unit that has a flat screen monitor, DVD player and the latest Nintendo Game System.
Thank you to The Starlight Children's Foundation for its continued partnership and always supporting the needs of the patients.
For the week of June 28, 2010
SmartCentres
SmartCentres Golf Classic has been a generous supporter of SickKids Foundation for the past six years, fundraising to support the Cardiac Diagnostic Unit at SickKids.
Through the SmartCentres Golf Classic, SickKids has been able to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to assist in minimally invasive surgeries and treatments of our cardiac patients.
SmartCentres has a history of philanthropy lead by Mitchell Goldhar, Director Emeritus SickKids Foundation Board of Directors. SickKids Foundation is grateful for Mr. Goldhar's leadership for the past nine years in both fundraising for SickKids and in providing direction through the SickKids Foundation Board of Directors.
Heatwave Sports Inc.
Heatwave Sports Inc. has been a generous supporter of SickKids Foundation for the past 16 years. Through its Heatwave and Icewave volleyball fundraising tournaments across the GTA, Heatwave Sports Inc. has raised more than $1.5 million dollars for SickKids and that number continues to grow!
Heatwave's long-term commitment and passion has made a tremendous impact on our SickKids community through its support of childhood cancer research.
For the week of June 21, 2010
Benchmark Benefits Solutions Inc.
Benchmark Benefits Solutions Inc. is a Toronto-based, full-service financial services boutique that provides clients with benefits planning, investments and special insurance needs. Committed to supporting the community, the partners of Benchmark have dedicated a portion of their profits to select charities including The Hospital for Sick Children.
Each of Benchmark's founding partners - Howard Fergusson, Brian Burlacoff and Mark Coutts - has a special connection with SickKids. In addition to helping raise funds for the Hospital, they have all had family members treated at this world-class facility. For this reason, Benchmark pledged a special $50,000 contribution to support the redevelopment of the operating suites at SickKids. This multi-million dollar project not only increased the hospital's surgical capacity, it also created new space for children and their families to prepare for surgery in comfort and privacy.
RBC
RBC has had a longstanding relationship with The Hospital for Sick Children. RBC Foundation has generously provided the Hospital with more than $2.6 million, which includes a $2-million gift to further much-needed training, research and outreach for paediatric mental health.
In addition, RBC employees will celebrate their 23rd annual campaign in support of SickKids, raising funds through various activities that culminate in a walk-a-thon finishing on front lawn of the Hospital.
Please join us on Tuesday, July 13, at 6 p.m. to cheer on this incredibly dedicated team, which to date has raised an additional $2.6 million in support of SicKids Foundation.
For the week of June 14, 2010
The Firkin Group of Pubs
The Firkin Group of Pubs has been a generous supporter of Cardiac Kids and SickKids Foundation for the past five years. Through its golf tournament, the Firkin Golf Classic, they have raised $1.2 million in support of a special fund that has made a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families affected with cardiac conditions.
Dufferin Concrete
Dufferin Concrete is a key supporter of SickKids Foundation and is committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadian families. Through its creative approach and generous support, Dufferin Concrete has helped raise funds for top priorities at The Hospital for Sick Children, contributing to the improvement of quality of life for children and their families at the Hospital and across Canada.
For the week of June 7, 2010
Meagan's Walk
Meagan's Walk is a beautiful legacy of hope that honours the memory of a sweet little girl with a kind spirit. Together with the help of their community, this group has raised more than $2 million for brain tumour research. One of the unique features of this event is the human embrace formed around SickKids as a show of strength and support for all the patients and families on Mother's Day.
Scotiabank
As Canada's most international bank, Scotiabank has a strong commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates in Canada and around the world. With its strong presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, Scotiabank has recognized and responded to the needs of children from underserved communities in these regions.
"We are thrilled to have Scotiabank on board," says Kamla Sharma, director, SickKids International. "Its support enhances our ability to care for more children through direct patient care, education and outreach programs."
Scotiabank has a long history of supporting SickKids. In 1997, Scotiabank established the Scotiabank Clinician Scientist Training Fund, an endowment that continues to support clinician-scientist trainees in oncology in perpetuity. Its support presently includes a $1-million commitment to the SickKids International Patient Program and sponsorship of two important events for the Herbie Fund - the Mistletoe Ball and Herbie Day.
For the week of May 31, 2010
Longo's Family Charitable Foundation
On July 15, Longo's will be hosting its 21st Annual "Fore" Kids' Sake Charity Golf Tournament. Over the past 20 years, the tournament has raised more than $1.6 million benefitting local hospitals, children's charities and camps. Proceeds from this year's tournament will continue to support The Longo's Family Charitable Foundation's five-year commitment to the SickKids Priorities Fund.
According to foundation Chair, Rosanne Longo, "Longo's strongly believes that family values are essential to community growth. We are about 'Inspiring Healthy Families'. We share that vision with SickKids and that helps us to realize that we are making an impact with our contributions."
Thank you to The Longo's Family Charitable Foundation for its ongoing generosity.
Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada passionately supports children's health initiatives across the country through its partnership with Children's Miracle Network and its twelve member hospital foundations.
Demonstrating its leadership and commitment to children's health, Walmart donated more than $2.2 million to SickKids Foundation in 2009. Together with its customers, vendors and enthusiastic associates, Walmart Canada raises awareness and funds for children's hospitals through paper icon campaigns, grassroots activities, vendor programs and its signature event, the Walmart Walk for Miracles.
This year, the Walmart Walk for Miracles is on Sunday June 13. Walk with your family and friends in the 7th annual Walmart Walk for Miracles in support of SickKids Foundation, through its partnership with Children's Miracle Network. Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment at Coronation Park (across from the Princess Gates) in Toronto. To show our SickKids united support for this event, visit www.walmartwalkformiracles.ca and donate to or join the SickKids Striders team.
For the week of May 24, 2010
Bell
Bell and Bell employees have been supporting SickKids for more than two decades. They have shown their support in a multitude of ways including support for tele-homecare, the Cardiac Diagnostic & Interventional Unit and most recently through a $10-million pledge to the Emergency Department.
For the past five years, to help raise awareness and funds for SickKids, Bell has organized the Bell Celebrity Gala. Thank you to Bell and your employees for your generosity over the years and for making the Emergency renovations possible!
For the week of May 17, 2010
Duchesnay
A Canadian, research-based pharmaceutical company, Duchesnay Inc. of Blainville, Quebec, is dedicated to the development of effective pharmacological solutions that are safe for pregnant women and their babies. A generous supporter of Motherisk research and training for more than a decade, Duchesnay's latest donation supports the Motherisk Disease Management and Surveillance Program.
Duchesnay is also the corporate sponsor of Motherisk's national NVP Helpline, a toll-free service that helps women throughout North America understand and cope with morning sickness, and this week's Motherisk Update 2010: Things You Must Know If You Treat Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women.
The Lezon family
Marita Simbul-Lezon and Ronald Lezon are great philanthropists who support many organizations in Toronto, including the The Hospital for Sick Children. This week, we celebrate their generous support of the construction and equipment costs of the Emergency Department redevelopment at SickKids with an unveiling of their family plaque in the new waiting area. This area provides much-needed relief from the congested, outdated facilities built more than 20 years ago.
SickKids has by far one of the busiest paediatric emergency departments in Canada and it's one of the Hospital's highest demand resources, registering an average of one patient every 10 minutes. The Lezon family understood the importance of this renovation to advance the ability of SickKids to deliver world-class emergency care for thousands of children and families in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
For the week of May 3, 2010
Bothwell-Accurate
Bothwell-Accurate Co. Limited has been a longtime supporter of SickKids Foundation. In 2009, Bothwell-Accurate decided to expand its commitment and support the work of Dr. PJ Subbarao, who works in the area of respiratory medicine. This support funds the C.H.I.L.D research study, which looks at the impact of the environment on asthma.
This is important work and we want to take this opportunity to thank Bothwell-Accurate Co. for their continued belief in Healthier Children. A Better World.™
Toro Aluminum
Toro Aluminum is an active and proud supporter of SickKids Foundation. In 2008, Toro Aluminum increased its support by committing to a five-year pledge focused on purchasing equipment for The Hospital for Sick Children.
With an investment in this area, SickKids Foundation is able to purchase much needed state-of-the-art equipment to increase patient care and standards. We thank Toro Aluminum for its generous support and continued belief in SickKids.
For the week of April 26, 2010
Foresters
Since 1984, Foresters, a life insurance organization inspired by helping children and families, has partnered with SickKids Foundation as the presenting sponsor of the Annual SickKids Radiothon. With the support of Foresters, the Radiothon has become the most successful in North America, raising more than $3.5 million last year. Foresters has been a committed contributor to SickKids Foundation and has made a remarkable impact by investing in local communities and promoting volunteerism.
Foresters is also a long-term supporter of Children's Miracle Network and is the founding sponsor and international underwriter of the Radiothon program in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Foresters support helps pay for the costs of radiothons so all funds raised through SickKids and other radiothons, stay in the local community.
"Foresters is very proud to be a longtime supporter of SickKids and the presenting sponsor of the annual SickKids Radiothon," says George Mohacsi, Foresters President and CEO. "Our mission is to improve the well-being of families. What a better way to do this than to ensure all children have access to the quality, specialized health care they need and deserve. By helping raise much-needed funds for the Hospital, SickKids can continue to provide the best of care to our children, our future."
For the week of April 19, 2010
Manulife Financial
Manulife's promise is to help create a better future for Canadians by looking forward and imagining the life we want for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. True to their promise, Manulife Financial is a generous supporter of SickKids - supporting programs to help adolescent patients adjust to care in adult hospitals, purchasing specialized equipment and most recently providing assistance to families for whom the economic burden of having a sick child has become overwhelming.
We are very proud of our relationship with Manulife Financial and wish to extend to them our deepest thanks.
Mead Johnson
For many years, Mead Johnson Nutrition has been a strong supporter of SickKids research and education initiatives. Mead Johnson is committed to making a difference in the lives of children with serious digestive disease or metabolic disorders, making it a priority to give these children the same opportunity as other children to lead a fulfilling life.
For the week of April 12, 2010
Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza has been a longtime supporter of SickKids Foundation. In 2008, Pizza Pizza brought this partnership to a new level by becoming an official sponsor of Children's Miracle Network. Through its Slices for Smiles Campaign, Pizza and Pizza 73 raised more than $200,000 in support of the Children's Miracle Network hospitals across Canada in 2009.
During the week of April 26, when you visit a Pizza Pizza or Pizza 73 location and purchase a medium-sized cheese or pepperoni pizza or a paper balloon icon, proceeds will support local children's hospitals, including SickKids. We thank Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 for their incredible enthusiasm and passion to help kids here in the Greater Toronto Area and across the country.
For the week of March 22, 2010
Do you Believe in Magic?
Each member of the Clark family has a tattoo of the word "Believe." The word reminds the family of a time when they nearly lost their daughter, Sydney. Sydney was rushed to The Hospital for Sick Children in a coma due to Reye's syndrome, which was caused by a rare reaction to aspirin. She woke up from her coma on Mother's Day.
Sydney and the Clark Family began a fundraising event for SickKids in 2007 called, "Do you Believe in Magic?" The fourth annual Sydney Clark Fundraiser for SickKids will take place on Saturday, March 27 at the Rattlesnake Point Golf Club. To date, the Clark Family has raised more than $120,000 in support of the Critical Care Unit at SickKids. Thank you Clark Family for your greatly appreciated contributions.
For the week of March 8, 2010
PartyLite
PartyLite has been supporting SickKids Foundation through its partnership with Children's Miracle Network since 1996. Through national promotions, events and employee payroll deductions, PartyLite Consultants have raised more than $730,000 for SickKids Foundation.
Thank you PartyLite consultants and leaders for your incredible support, enthusiasm and passion for helping kids here in the Greater Toronto Area and across the country.
For the week of March 1, 2010
Bell
Luke Liegghio
Luke Liegghio was the catalyst who inspired his family to create The Life for Luke Foundation to help find a cure for Niemann-Pick Type C. His life may have been short-lived but he has left a lasting impact on his family and so many others who are engaged in this cause and help fundraise to make a difference and find a cure.
Together, this group continues to "paint a path to a brighter future for NPC children" and their families battling this disease.
For the week of February 22, 2010
Hydro One Employees' & Pensioners' Charity Trust
Hydro One Employees' & Pensioners' Charity Trust is a key supporter of SickKids Foundation and is committed to help build strong, healthy communities where its customers and employees live and work.
Through its inspiring staff and employee fundraising efforts, Hydro One Employees' & Pensioners' Charity Trust has helped raise funds towards a variety of Hospital programs benefitting children and their families across Canada. Thank you!
For the week of February 15, 2010
Friends Helping SickKids
Following Antonio Damiano's treatments for leukemia at The Hospital for Sick Children, his parents and their friends formed the group Friends Helping SickKids.
Inspired by the amazing treatment Antonio received, his parents Frank and Martina along with their friends decided to show their appreciation by hosting fundraising events and giving back to the Hospital. Friends Helping SickKids began with a golf tournament in 2001. Although they have changed their event to a disco-themed gala, they have been successful in raising more than $200,000 for the cancer program at SickKids.
They look forward to continuing their support by hosting this year's gala on February 20. SickKids Foundation is truly grateful for their on-going commitment and wishes them much success.
For the week of February 8, 2010
Shoppers Drug Mart
Over the years, Shoppers Drug Mart has participated in a number of events and sponsorships for SickKids Foundation. Shoppers Drug Mart proudly established The Harold J. Hoffman/Shoppers Drug Mart Chair in Paediatric Neurosurgery. The chair holders have pushed the boundaries of research, which has benefited many children affected by neurological conditions.
In addition, each year, employees collect donations from the Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of Life fundraising campaign. As a leader in advancing children's health, SickKids Foundation salutes Shoppers Drug Mart and would like to express sincere gratitude for its ongoing support.
For the week of February 1, 2010
G4S Security Services Ltd.
G4S Security Services (Canada) Ltd. is a key supporter of SickKids Foundation and committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadian families.
Through its inspiring employee fundraising efforts, G4S has helped raise funds towards the Foundation's top priorities for The Hospital for Sick Children, which benefit children and their families across Canada.
For the week of January 18, 2010
Long & McQuade
Long & McQuade is an active and proud supporter of SickKids Foundation. In 2007, Long & McQuade decided to increase its support by establishing the Long & McQuade Music Therapy Endowment Fund. To date, the fund has raised more than $25,000. This fund will ensure music continues to be an integral part of our patients' lives.
Thank you Long & McQuade for your generosity!
For the week of January 11, 2010
TELUS
TELUS is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it lives, works and serves. A cornerstone of this commitment is demonstrated each year by the TELUS team through the Employee Charitable Giving program.
In 2008, TELUS generously offered to match its employee contributions to children's hospitals at a 2-to-1 ratio. The TELUS employees rose to the occasion by contributing $74,000 to The Hospital for Sick Children, which made the total contribution a generous $221,000 including the TELUS corporate match. In addition, TELUS employees host their own events throughout the year that raise money for SickKids.
Through the TELUS Toronto Community Board, TELUS is also a major supporter of Upopolis, a private social utility that connects young hospital patients to their family, friends and school network. In December 2009, SickKids Foundation was thrilled to launch Upopolis at SickKids to provide its young patients with a connection to the important people in their lives outside of the Hospital. Thank you to TELUS and all of its employees for your past and continued support. Your gifts have made a big impact in the lives many children and their families.
For the week of January 4, 2010
Home Hardware
Since 2002, SickKids Foundation has been proud to be one of Home Hardware's national charitable partners. Home Hardware and its dealers raise funds through local fundraising events, calendar sales and other initiatives all in support of the world-renowned research at SickKids.
Thanks to its contributions, groundbreaking research continues to lead to discoveries, which mean higher survival rates and better care for children in Canada and around the world.
Gowling Lafleur Henderson SickKids Leaders Campaign
Currently SickKids Foundation is celebrating Gowlings 8th annual campaign for SickKids Leaders. Starting in 2002, Gowlings championed a group of volunteers in the firm who gave personal gifts as well as making requests of their colleagues to support the The Hospital for Sick Children. This group of forward-thinking, community-minded people has contributed more than $250,000 to support the highest priority needs of the Foundation since the Leaders campaign started.
Thank you to all Gowlings Leader volunteers and donors for your past and continued support. Your gifts have made a big impact in the lives of many young patients and their families.




