The Dave and Ann Trick Family Foundation

Dave and Ann Trick put a lot of time and energy into sprinkling stardust over the lives of their nine grandchildren. But they have also managed to sprinkle some magic onto the lives of countless other children who rely on care and services at CHEO. They are the founders of the Dave and Ann Trick Family Foundation, which has proudly supported CHEO since 2012. While both are retired, the couple has a history of community involvement. Dave’s background in business includes the mentoring of entrepreneurs and Ann’s career in nursing and volunteerism are rooted in a desire to give back.

Over the years, many of the Trick’s grandchildren have visited CHEO for everything from broken bones to diagnostic tests and treatment for various health issues. Dave and Ann are grateful that all are healthy and thriving!

But that wasn’t always the case.

In November of 2011, their youngest granddaughter Emily suffered a stroke in-utero and was taken to CHEO shortly after being born. During her nearly two-week stay, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team cared for baby Emily like she was their own. Thanks to their interventions, and continued care through CHEO and OCTC, Emily is a charming and chatty soon to be six year old, beautiful inside and out. She loves school, sparkly party dresses, and playing with her cousins. She is a study in triumph and determination! That’s why supporting CHEO was an easy choice for the Trick family.

Since that time, the Dave and Ann Trick Family Foundation has helped CHEO improve the care available to some of the sickest newborns. Their inaugural gift purchased the hospital’s first video laryngoscope. In lay terms, this equipment enables medical staff to have a clear view of the airway in babies weighing less than 800 grams. It’s also a crucial tool for teaching intubation techniques to inexperienced healthcare providers through simulation scenarios using mannequins. The Trick family also provided funding for the purchase of a neonatal transport incubator and physiological monitor, making it possible to bring severely ill babies to CHEO by air for specialized, life-saving treatments.

Most recently, Dave and Ann and the Trick Family Foundation have supported Project Stitch, the reorganization of CHEO’s day care surgery and recovery units. This will directly impact CHEO’s ability to perform a minimum of 1,500 additional surgeries per year and reduce surgical wait times by as much as three months.

In 2016, CHEO and the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre (OCTC), joined forces to become a single organization to better meet the needs of its children and families, improve access to services and ensure more coordinated care. Once again, the Trick Family Foundation continued its support by giving to both organizations through the CHEO Foundation.

Dave and Ann established their family Foundation with one clear goal in mind: “We wanted to inspire philanthropy within our own family,” Dave explains. “It’s our legacy – to be carried on by our children – and eventually our grandchildren.”

“We are so grateful for CHEO and what it’s done and continues to do, not only for our family, but for so many others,” Ann says. “Being a grandparent is such a gift. We are delighted to help provide an excellence in care that all grandchildren deserve.”

Consider a gift to CHEO’s Grandparent Program either as a grandparent or to honour special grandparents and you will transform your gratitude into specialized care for all families who need CHEO. Contact Pat Zareba by email at [email protected] or by phone at 613-737-2553.

Upcoming CHEO Events

There are so many different events that happen in support of CHEO and for that we are most grateful. Please check out our special events calendar so you can join us and help make a difference. Feel free to become involved as a volunteer or organize your own event.

Jamboree for CHEO

Anne Marie and the Country Pals – Jamboree for CHEO Sunday, April 7, 2024 – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Royal…

Maddy’s Gala

Please join us for Maddy’s 15th Annual Gala. An evening that will pull at your heart strings where our mission…

AutoEdge Car Show

Join us for the opener of the car show season! The AutoEdge Car Show will be showcasing around 150 vehicles.…