CHEO Foundation announces grand return of Teddy Bears’ Picnic presented by Giant Tiger to be held in time to celebrate 50th, new location

Ottawa, Ontario, May 15, 2024 – The national capital region’s beloved family-friendly tradition is back for the first time since 2019. The CHEO Foundation is proud to invite everyone to come and enjoy the Teddy Bears’ Picnic presented by Giant Tiger, Sunday, June 16 at a new location on the grounds of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

As CHEO and CHEO Foundation mark their 50th anniversary, this year’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic presented by Giant Tiger is intended to celebrate and thank the community for its support over the past half-century.

“This event is our way of saying thank you to our generous community for their support. Over 50 years ago a group of concerned citizens began the important work of fundraising for a pediatric hospital here in our nation’s capital. That love and support has continued and been felt by generations of children, youth and families,” said Steve Read, president and CEO, CHEO Foundation.

“We are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for the cherished CHEO Foundation’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” said Gabrielle Hargrove, Senior Vice President and Chief HR Officer, Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “At Giant Tiger, giving back to the communities we proudly live in, work in, and serve is a big part of who we are. Supporting CHEO, our Ottawa Home Office employees’ charity of choice, is something we take great pride in. We’re excited to continue our partnership with CHEO for the return of this beloved community event and to celebrate their 50th anniversary together.”

New location and terrific schedule

For the first time, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum grounds will be transformed into a playground jam-packed with activities for kids of all ages. Here are some key events that will unfold throughout the day:

• 8 a.m.: Celebrity breakfast where pancakes, sausages and beverages will be free of charge thanks to Bell Canada and Sezlik.com (while supplies last) and served by local celebrities;
• 9 a.m.: The Bear Surgical Hospital, courtesy of DYMON Storage, will open with volunteers from CHEO who will fix any ‘injuries’ sustained to local stuffies;
• Until 2 p.m.: Games, music, stage entertainment thanks to Desjardins, clowns, and face painting will be on the menu for families;
• From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Discounted access to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

No parking on site: Because there is no parking available on site, free parking and shuttles will be provided. There will be a shuttle from Giant Tiger Home Office (2480 Walkley Rd), available from 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Following the event, the last shuttle running from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum back to Giant Tiger is 2 p.m. Other shuttle locations to be announced soon.