CHEO Foundation and RBC celebrate more than $1,016,000 raised at 10th annual Race for the Kids
Today the Ottawa community laced up for the 10th anniversary of CHEO’s RBC Race for the Kids raising more than $1,016,000 for CHEO’s Kids These Days campaign. This brings the 10-year total to over $6 million!
Hundreds of runners, walkers, families and four-legged friends took on the 10K, 5K and 2K Family Fun Run at Wesley Clover Parks, with nearly 200 volunteers keeping the day on track.
Every dollar raised will support CHEO’s largest redevelopment campaign which includes the new Integrated Treatment Centre slated to open Spring 2028. Kids these days are facing more health challenges than ever before. More mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. More time waiting in the emergency department. More complex care needs, with too many kids waiting too long for appointments. CHEO is growing to meet those needs, and events like this one help make it happen.
“Ten years of showing up for kids. That’s what today is about,” said Steve Read, President and CEO, CHEO Foundation. “Every step and every dollar raised will transform care for children, youth and families in our region. We are grateful to RBC, our sponsors, volunteers and every participant who made this 10th anniversary one for the books.”
“For ten years, RBC has been proud to stand alongside the CHEO Foundation and the Ottawa community in support of kids and families when they need it most. Seeing thousands lace up year after year—and especially today, for this milestone 10th anniversary—is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to ensure that children and youth across our region access world-class care,” said Devinder Gill, Regional President, Ontario North and East, RBC.
Participants also heard from CHEO Patient Ambassador Mason. For Mason, CHEO is part of everyday life. The young patient ambassador had hip surgery at CHEO, attends CHEO School and visits for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and a long list of clinics to manage his complex needs. Sunday, he crossed the finish line of the 2K Family Fun Run alongside his mom and dad, Lindsay and Mike, and his sister, Mya. It’s families like Mason’s who will benefit most from the new centre, which will bring more of the care they need together in one place.
CHEO’s RBC Race for the Kids is made possible by Title Sponsor RBC and Major Sponsors Wesley Clover Parks and Bergeron Clifford LLP.