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 2024 Award winners!

TOP FUNDRAISER (9 and under)

Tallyn Spring, 8: Tallyn hosted an epic birthday skate party at a local rec centre and asked everyone who attended to give a donation in support of the neurosurgical unit at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as a way to help her older sister, Lette, who lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She has been fundraising for the hospital since she was four years old!

TOP FUNDRAISER ( 10 and over)

Shaye Parkinson, 10: Shaye has undergone operations at the Alberta Children’s Hospital for congenital scoliosis. Her experiences there inspired her to set up an online fundraising page that would allow her and her supporters to give back to the hospital and the orthopedic department that’s helped her and so many others.

TOP FUNDRAISING GROUP

Elements Dance: The Spread the Love Dance-a-Thon is an annual event where dancers aged three to 17 come together to raise funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation through pledges. Participants enjoy an exciting night filled with dancing, which includes engaging classes and a live DJ to keep the energy high!

TOP FUNDRAISING SCHOOL

George McDougall High School did it again, raising more than any other school through their annual Ride of the Mustang , a schoolwide bike-a-thon which celebrated its 14^th birthday this year!

HERO AWARD WINNERS

Ruby Penney, 12: Ruby 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 money for new and improved playground spaces at the hospital because she believes all kids deserve the right to play, no matter what their bodies can or cannot do.

Natalie Loewen, 10: Natalie is on her own cancer journey right now. Along her journey, she decided to create and sell stickers that will support kids just like her at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Michela Colabella, 17: As a way to honour her friend, Matteo, who passed away, Michela launched a bake sale at her Calgary area high school, with all funds going to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Jack and Carter Lenz, 5 and 9: Jack and Carter signed up for the 2024 Junior Golf Classic through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, an opportunity to hit the links and raise money for the hospital. The pair were inspired after Jack needed expert care from hospital specialists himself.

Olivia Dupont, 11: Olivia Dupont also participated in the Junior Golf Classic and used her online fundraising page to inspire others to show their support!

Sloane Masikewich, 7: Sloane is on a cancer journey and has been working to raise money and awareness for kids like her. Among the many fundraising activities she’s been involved in, Sloane and her sisty Indy and their cousin set up a lemonade stand!

JEANETTE LYALL AWARD FOR SPIRIT

Henry Stewart, 17: The Jeanette Lyall Award for Spirit is a new award for Kids Helping Kids fundraisers, named in honour and memory of a very special member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Jeanette loved helping kids and families and celebrating all the Kids Helping Kids fundraisers through this event each year. This inaugural award goes to Henry, who embodies the values of strength, spirit and care for others. Aside from his fundraising efforts, Henry has also been a strong advocate of children’s health as a member of the Youth Council.

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

You can support these budding philanthropists by becoming a sponsor or a matching donor of the Kids Helping Kids program or one of its many initiatives. Learn more.