Children’s Hospital Of Eastern Ontario Set For Virtual 2021 For The Kids Gala

The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is set to celebrate its virtual 2021 For The Kids Gala.

For the second straight year, the CHEO Foundation is hosting the event online in an effort to raise funds for the hospital’s developmental and rehabilitation services.

For 24 years, the gala has been dedicated to bring awareness to children and youth with multiple physical and developmental disabilities and associated behavioural needs.

Lydia Blanchard is the Director of Community Engagement for the foundation, and she says the event is about highlighting the perseverance of these kids, as well as all the work the hospital does to help them.

“A lot of them have immuno-compromised conditions, meaning they’re feeling a little more isolated during this pandemic, like we all are, but to an even more upscale extent,” Blanchard said. “It’s like a typical cold for you or I, that could mean a life-threatening trip to the emergency room for one of these kids.” 

The event will highlight some of the equipment that is used in many of the development and rehabilitation programs at the hospital, and it will feature an online auction and raffle. 

The 2020 For the Kids Gala featured more than 300 silent auction items and raised $163,500 for CHEO despite having to cancel the in-person portion of the event due to COVID-19.

Blanchard says this year will also include a talent show, so that kids can show off all their unique skills and talents. 

“So for example, a little girl with down syndrome might not be verbal in the same way as you or I but she loves to dance, and she can dance up a melody all she wants; so, we’ll celebrate that.” Blanchard said. “Or a little boy in a wheelchair who can’t walk but can sing, we’ll look to celebrate that sort of thing.” 

It won’t just be talents that kids will showcase.

Blanchard says they’ll also be showcasing the milestone moments that many of the CHEO’s patients have accomplished.

“It’s not necessarily a singing or dancing talent,” Blanchard said. “Talent could also be that a child was told they may never walk, and suddenly they’re reaching a milestone of being able to take those first steps thanks to the programs at CHEO. That’s what we want to highlight as a talent or a newly developed skill or ability.” 

The gala takes place April 8, and for more details, you can head to CHEO’s website.