Kids Helping Kids celebrates young fundraisers whose efforts support ground-breaking research, state-of-the-art equipment and the family-centred programs that make the Alberta Children’s Hospital world-class. See where your money goes.

Many kids give because they are grateful for the care they received at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Some are inspired by a friend or sibling who received cancer treatment or underwent an important surgery. Others just feel it’s the right thing to do. Whatever your reason or the size of your donation, everyone can make a difference.

Not only does it feel great to help others, Kids Helping Kids comes with a few added benefits, too:

New skills. As a fundraiser, not only will you be helping thousands of kids and families, you’ll gain new experience in project management, money management, setting and achieving goals, and working with and inspiring others!

Recognition of a job well done. We celebrate the hard work of young fundraisers every chance we get. Everyone who participates in the Kids Helping Kids program will have the opportunity to place a personalized heart on the donor wall at the Foundation office in the hospital. There is also the opportunity for a cheque presentation, either at the hospital or your school!

Kids Helping Kids Celebration. Once a year, we come together (virtually or in person) to celebrate all of our young fundraisers and their hard work that helps hospital experts provide the best care possible for kids and families. Awards are given to top fundraising individuals, groups and schools.

Meet the Kids Helping Kids 2023 Award winners!

Top Fundraising School

George McDougall High School raised an incredible $55,291 through their 12th annual bike-a-thon, Ride of the Mustang!

Top Fundraising Group

Through the Hockey Kids Helping Kids initiative with Hockey Calgary, the Glenlake Hawks U-13 Blue raised $8,575 for mental health programs and initiatives that support children and youth who are struggling with mental health.

Top Fundraiser Over 10 and Under 10

Age 9 and Under: Varis Chattha, 3 decided that instead of birthday gifts, he would become a Birthday Hero for kids in the hospital. He raised $15,114.

Age 10 and Older: Ruby Penney, 11, has been going through her own medical journey at the hospital and decided she wanted to fundraise to help kids just like her. Through her online fundraising page, she raised more than $27,000 to support the renewal of hospital playground spaces to make them more accessible for all kids.

HERO Award Winners

Rylan Williams, 7, grew hair out for two years to donate to kids who are on a cancer journey and raised $5,327 for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Cooper Ryan, 6, has had his own health issues. No stranger to the hospital, Cooper raised $3,163 through the Junior Golf Classic to help other kids like him.

Shaye Parkinson, 9, has congenital scoliosis and is a big supporter of the hospital. Through fundraisers and golf tournaments, Shaye has raised $6,614.

Lily Stainbrook, 9, has turned a lemonade stand into a force for good. Her third year behind the pitcher, Lily has rallied her community and this year raised $6,901!

Lilly Kalmar, 10, has been a health journey for several years and each time she visits the hospital for an appointment, she brings toys and gifts meant to bring a smile to the faces of other kids in the hospital. Lilly recently received a liver transplant and her first stop when she was back at the hospital for a check-up was to the Foundation, to donate toys for other kids.

Fundraising ideas

When it comes to ways young people can help kids, the sky is the limit. Here are some ideas for a fundraiser you can set up on your own or with your family, friends, neighbours and classmates!

Have your own idea? We can help!

While a fundraising initiative takes time and effort, we have many tools and that will help you along the way! Tell us about your idea using this events application form and a member of our team will get back to you in short order.

Note for fundraisers: If you are collecting cash donations from people (a lemonade stand, for instance) let us know when you are ready to submit those! Email us and we’ll be happy to guide you.