Meet the people driving the healthcare revolution
Women’s College Hospital’s community of partners, volunteers and sponsors are some of the trailblazers and changemakers driving the healthcare revolution. Dedicated to hosting events and raising important funds to advance the hospital’s greatest priority needs, their support is transforming the health of women and building a healthier, more equitable world for all. Here are a few highlight events from the past year:
1. REACH FOR THE STARS
After Liz Walter passed away from pancreatic cancer, her family—husband Bruce and daughters Sarah, Hannah, Emma and Victoria—looked for what they could do to have the greatest impact in the fight against cancer. They found their answer in supporting hereditary cancer research at Women’s College Hospital. This groundbreaking research holds the promise of saving lives by stopping cancer before it can even begin.
Together with their close friend Lisa McCann, the Walter family organized Reach for the Stars—a gala event at Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum. The event raised over $1 million to support cutting-edge cancer research at Women’s College Hospital.
Liz always encouraged her daughters to reach for the stars. Through this event, that’s exactly what they’ve done—and their impact will be felt by countless women and families.
2. SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. RUN FOR WOMEN
Every June, community members walk, run and roll through the streets of downtown Toronto in support of Women’s College Hospital. Funds raised through the SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run for Women directly support the Women’s Mental Health Program at WCH. Last year’s event raised a record-breaking $225,000!
3. DENALI CLIMB
Grace McDonald and Heather Geluk, two of Canada’s leading female adventurers, broke out of their comfort zones to support Women’s College Hospital’s mission to revolutionize healthcare. Through an expedition to the top of Denali, North America’s highest mountain peak, they raised funds to advance cutting-edge women’s health research taking place at Women’s College Research Institute—one of the only hospital-based research centres in the world with a unique focus on women. To date, their fundraising efforts have raised nearly $4,000.
4. BARREWORKS
Those who work out together, fundraise together! BarreWorks Yonge Street raised over $500 in support of Women’s College Hospital from proceeds raised via registration to special fitness classes.
5. WOMEN’S BONSPIEL
After attending Women’s College Hospital Foundation’s annual fundraising luncheon, Women for Women’s, Judy Schembri was inspired to find a way to fundraise for WCH within her own community. As a passionate curler, she decided to host a bonspiel in support of Women’s College Hospital’s greatest priority needs. Four years later, the annual Women’s Bonspiel hosted by the Wednesday Night Women’s Section at the High Park Curling Club has raised over $11,700!
6. SLUMBER IN THE CITY
Students for change! On March 26, students from George Brown College’s Special Event Management program hosted “Slumber in the City” at Revival Bar, a unique slumber party-themed event complete with pyjamas, DIY face masks and games. Half of the evening’s proceeds were donated to Women’s College Hospital to help improve the health of women and health equity for all.
7. WOMEN FOR WOMEN’S
Last November, Women for Women’s—Women’s College Hospital Foundation’s signature annual fundraising luncheon—welcomed more than 1,000 philanthropic and community leaders to learn about and support groundbreaking care and research taking place at WCH. The event raised an incredible $519,000 toward the hospital’s most pressing needs. Thank you to our incredible Women for Women’s Committee for their passion, efforts and dedication to the success of this event!
8. LADYBUG FLORIST
The healthcare revolution is blooming! To celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 and then Mother’s Day, local flower shop Ladybug Florist donated a portion of proceeds from each bouquet sold in support of innovative research and patient care at Women’s College Hospital.
If you would like to host an event in support of Women’s College Hospital, please email foundation@wchospital.ca
