Stefano’s Stories: Gratitude Report and AGM

October 2020

Happy Autumn!

I hope you and your loved ones were able to enjoy what turned out to be a pretty terrific summer, albeit one with different rules in this evolving new normal. The team at Children’s Hospital Foundation has been working remotely since March and only recently started coming to the office in cohorts. Like all of you, we’re following the direction set out by public health. It’s been a challenge, but it’s also had some interesting upsides.

One of the benefits of working from home was that it allowed me to spend even more time with my family and appreciate them in different ways. I learned that my youngest son is an excellent cook. He took advantage of new-found time to hone his skills in the kitchen. My lunches have suffered since he went back to school!

The pandemic has also given us an opportunity to connect with our community in new ways. So many people who are passionate about helping kids have been willing to meet via Zoom or phone to learn more about how they can help. We have appreciated their time and insights.

And we’ve had to be agile. For example, we moved the Teddy Bear’s Picnic online in May. To replace vital revenue due to cancelled events like the Children’s Hospital Book Market, we introduced Dr. Goodbear masks, which have been flying off the shelves. And volunteers have gotten really creative: the GALActic Experience will blast off from the comfort of people’s personal space bubbles in place of the Ice Crystal Gala on November 15. It will be a fantastic event.

Throughout, we have maintained our focus on our mission to help sick and injured kids everywhere. Because they can’t wait for the economy to turn around, or for a cure to COVID. They continue to need our support now.

I invite you to watch our annual general meeting, held on October 16 to hear directly about how the hospital is coping with COVID-19, and our Champion Child Brady’s heartfelt personal perspective on what it was like to be a patient during the pandemic. You can also read our Gratitude Report to learn more about how much of an impact supporters like you made in 2019.

With sincere thanks for everything you do to support sick and injured kids!