$2.2 million raised at The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk
Today, more than $2.2 million was raised by 3,000 participants, sponsors and volunteers at the third annual Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk presented by Sport Chek to benefit The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). More than 3,000 participants and 40 dogs were registered fundraisers and challenged themselves to walk up to 20 kilometres, starting and ending at Fort York. This camp-themed fundraising event is the only one of its kind in Canada.
Following a heartfelt opening ceremony and flag raising at Fort York corporate teams, hospital staff, families and individual registrants – many accompanied by their dogs – departed from Main Camp at 9 a.m. and walked through the streets of downtown Toronto, stopping at seven pit stops (campsites) along the way to enjoy camp-themed activities. Participants played giant-sized board games, held exotic animals, made crafts, sang, danced, and celebrated their accomplishments as they crossed the finish line - all while raising critical funds for SickKids.
“SickKids receives tremendous support from our community every year as our participants challenge themselves to fundraise and walk as a team,” said Ted Garrard, President and CEO, SickKids Foundation. “In its third year, the Great Camp Adventure Walk generated more excitement and participation than ever before. We are grateful to our generous sponsors, including title sponsor Canaccord Genuity, presenting sponsor Sport Chek and our media partner, Bell Media for sharing in the excitement and bringing this unique event to life.”
Canaccord Genuity is the inaugural title sponsor of the Great Camp Adventure Walk and is proud to continue their support of this event which has raised a total of $5.3 million since 2013.
“Thousands of children and their families rely on The Hospital for Sick Children every year,” said Dan Daviau, recently appointed President and CEO, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. “We are delighted to partner with this world-class organization and thank all participants for their generous contributions, which directly support the future of children’s health-care here at home and around the world.”
In its third year, the Great Camp Adventure Walk generated more excitement and participation than ever before.
Presenting sponsor, Sport Chek hosted a campsite outside the hospital on Elm Street, where participants had the opportunity to take a photo with Olympic and Pan Am Games World Trampoline Champion Rosie MacLennan, Olympic Trampoline Champion Jason Burnett and Parapan Am Games Sitting Volleyball medallist Austin Hinchey.
"As a parent and as a member of the board at SickKids Foundation, I know firsthand just how remarkable the staff and volunteers are at this world-class facility," said Michael Medline. "This is a truly inspiring event, and on behalf of the team at Sport Chek, I would like to thank everyone for their fundraising efforts and the support from the greater community that made this incredible event possible."
Additional sponsors for this year’s event include PetSmart, itravel2000, United Association Local 46 Toronto, Samsung, Muskoka Bear Wear, Allen’s, Budget Avis, Panera Bread and Liberterre. SickKids Foundation thanks all individuals and organizations who contributed to the day’s success.
Funds raised through this event support the Possibilities Fund at SickKids, the most flexible source of funding for the hospital with the greatest potential to transform children’s health. Support from the community through events like The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk is essential to provide the best in family-centred, compassionate care, to lead in scientific and clinical advancement, and to prepare the next generation of leaders in child health. The fourth annual Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk returns to Toronto on Saturday, September 24, 2016. To re-register or to join for the first time, please visit: WalkForSickKids.ca.
