SickKids Activators: David Leith
In 2012, Simon Leith and Jonathan Tong launched a yearly fundraiser for SickKids called Breakfast of Champions. As the event continued to grow over the years, David Leith also became a co-chair. Breakfast of Champions provides 300-350 young professionals with the opportunity to have an intimate and informational breakfast with “champions” – influential community leaders from various fields including business, law, medicine, sports and entertainment. Each champion is seated at a table with young professionals and shares their insights on becoming a champion in their field. Since its inception, Breakfast of Champions has raised over $600,000 in support of SickKids, something which David is exceptionally proud to be part of.
“When Breakfast of Champions started back in 2012, we had no idea this event would become what it is today,” said David. “You should never underestimate the power of what can be accomplished by even a small group of individuals.”
David is now taking the experiences and knowledge he has gained through Breakfast of Champions and sharing his insights with another group of young professionals interested in raising funds to support SickKids.
“When I was first approached about joining SickKids Activators, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to get connected with others who were interested in giving back and develop a platform where young professionals would have the ability to share ideas and gain the necessary tools to launch their own fundraising events for SickKids.”
As a SickKids Activator, David really enjoys the opportunity to network and learn from a group of like-minded young professionals who are interested in developing leadership skills by giving back to the community through their support of SickKids.
“There’s so much to be learned by speaking with others about their experiences and understanding what types of strategies they found were most successful in their fundraising efforts,” said David. “By being part of SickKids Activators, you are not only learning how to strengthen your own fundraising efforts, but also developing new skill sets that you may not typically utilize in your day-to-day work. Plus, you end up meeting great people and having a lot of fun in the process!”
David’s motivation to fundraise for SickKids started as a simple desire to help a hospital that made a difference in the lives of sick children. But as he became more and more involved with SickKids through his fundraising efforts and had further interactions with the physicians, researchers, staff and patients, his perspective changed.
“Through my continued involvement with SickKids, I’ve really become aware of the amazing things being done throughout the hospital to further children’s health and quality of life,” said David. “I’ve gained a stronger appreciation of what a world-class institution SickKids really is.”
Are you a young professional interested in supporting SickKids? Consider getting involved in Breakfast of Champions on October 27. Visit www.breakfastofchamps.ca for more information.
Interested to learn how you can join the fight for children’s health as a member of SickKids Activators? Visit https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/events/activators or email sickkidsactivators@sickkidsfoundation.com.
David is now taking the experiences and knowledge he has gained through Breakfast of Champions and sharing his insights with another group of young professionals interested in raising funds to support SickKids.
“There’s so much to be learned by speaking with others about their experiences and understanding what types of strategies they found were most successful in their fundraising efforts.”
As a SickKids Activator, David really enjoys the opportunity to network and learn from a group of like-minded young professionals who are interested in developing leadership skills by giving back to the community through their support of SickKids.
“There’s so much to be learned by speaking with others about their experiences and understanding what types of strategies they found were most successful in their fundraising efforts,” said David. “By being part of SickKids Activators, you are not only learning how to strengthen your own fundraising efforts, but also developing new skill sets that you may not typically utilize in your day-to-day work. Plus, you end up meeting great people and having a lot of fun in the process!”
David’s motivation to fundraise for SickKids started as a simple desire to help a hospital that made a difference in the lives of sick children. But as he became more and more involved with SickKids through his fundraising efforts and had further interactions with the physicians, researchers, staff and patients, his perspective changed.
“Through my continued involvement with SickKids, I’ve really become aware of the amazing things being done throughout the hospital to further children’s health and quality of life,” said David. “I’ve gained a stronger appreciation of what a world-class institution SickKids really is.”
Are you a young professional interested in supporting SickKids? Consider getting involved in Breakfast of Champions on October 27. Visit www.breakfastofchamps.ca for more information.
Interested to learn how you can join the fight for children’s health as a member of SickKids Activators? Visit https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/events/activators or email sickkidsactivators@sickkidsfoundation.com.
