Kids Helping Kids program allows young fundraisers to flex creative muscles to help peers at the Alberta Children’s Hospital

Young fundraisers found creative ways to support the Alberta Children’s Hospital last year, raising more than $477,000 to fund cutting-edge equipment, hospital programs and research to enhance care for kids just like them.

From bike-a-thons, the Junior Golf Classic, the Hockey Kids Helping Kids campaign, to dance-offs, bake sales and sticker campaigns, it was an amazing year for the Kids Helping Kids program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, which supports young people who are looking for ways to give back and help sick and injured kids who rely on the hospital.

“To think so many kids in our community, many of whom are in school or might even have a job or are on their own medical journey, chose to do one more thing just to help other kids, it’s so inspiring,” says Karisa Derdall, Kids Helping Kids program coordinator at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Tallyn Spring is only eight years old but she has been fundraising for the neuro team at the Alberta Children’s Hospital since her fourth birthday. Tallyn says it’s a way for her to help the experts who care for her sister, Lette, who lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Last year, Tallyn put on an epic birthday skate at a local rec centre, and asked guests to donate. She enlisted the help of local companies who agreed to match donations and drew the attention of some Calgary Hitmen players who came to enjoy the day with her.

“I know I can’t fix my sister, so I raise money for her doctors so they can help her,” says Tallyn.

Tallyn was one among many Kids Helping Kids fundraisers and siblings who attended the annual Kids Helping Kids Celebration at Calaway Park.

The Kids Helping Kids program is an outlet for creative and caring young people who want to make a positive impact on the lives of families who rely on the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Through bake sales, or by becoming a Birthday Hero or school-wide events like bike-a-thons, Kids Helping Kids gives young people a chance to make a difference. To learn more, go to our Kids Helping Kids page.

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.