Thank you for the essential role that you play in making SickKids one of the top three children’s hospitals in the world.

We consider you a partner in our work and we take our responsibility to you, our valued supporters, as seriously as our responsibility to the critically-ill children being treated at SickKids. That’s why we’ve chosen to directly address some of the issues you may have recently read in a news article about SickKids Foundation.

The article stated that SickKids Foundation was involved in commission-based fundraising. As a registered adherent to the Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code of Imagine Canada, SickKids Foundation is staunchly opposed to commission-based fundraising. That’s why we were disappointed to learn that one of our suppliers had breached the terms of our written agreement when a third party paid a commission to a small group of their employees. As soon as we became aware of the facts, we suspended all activity and following a thorough investigation, SickKids Foundation has terminated the relationship with this supplier.

Another issue the article addressed concerned the salaries being paid to the president of the Foundation. As is evidenced by the Chronicle of Philanthropy Salary Survey, the president’s salary is in line with other lead executives of major children’s hospitals and charities in North America.

In an age where significant strides are still necessary in funding children’s healthcare, we feel fortunate to have attracted Michael O’Mahoney to SickKids Foundation. Under his leadership as president, SickKids Foundation has seen unprecedented growth. Guiding an organization of the size and scope of SickKids Foundation is a task that can only be undertaken by select few. The position demands an individual of extraordinary passion, vision and experience. We have that individual in Michael.

Caring for children is at the heart of everything we do. As a world leader in children’s health care, we are also a leader in being transparent and accountable for every dollar you give. I trust that we can continue to count on your unwavering support and belief in our vision “Healthier Children. A Better World.™”

If you would like to discuss this further, please call us at
416-813-7992.

Sincerely yours,

Patsy Anderson
Chair, Board of Directors, SickKids Foundation