York Regional Police aim to raise $100K to support Southlake's Pediatric Oncology Unit
York Regional Police (YRP) launched its Be a Hero campaign supporting the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Southlake Hospital.
"It's about supporting children who have gone through cancer. When we talk about why Southlake, it's because it's in our community, and it supports the families and those children who are going through those treatments," said YRP Deputy Chief Paulo Da Silva. "There have been so many of our community members, so many of our own members, we all know someone that has been impacted by cancer."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
This year's child ambassador and cancer survivor is five-year-old Charlotte Wilson, who was joined by her father, YRP Const. Joe Wilson.
"When Charlotte was diagnosed with leukemia, her treatment was at SickKids Hospital in Toronto for about eight months, and then we were able to go home and do outpatient care between SickKids and Southlake Oncology Clinic," her father said.
Const. Wilson said an event such as this one is vital, as it supports families that live nearby.
"Being inside the hospital day in and day out, it's important to keep the money flowing in there to offer a high standard care for the children," he said.
Over the past 19 years, these events have raised more than $350,000 for essential services at the Southlake Hospital.
"At Southlake's Pediatric Oncology Clinic, we saw 1,300 visits for children and families last year. So, the funds raised through this event ensures that we have the tools and the support so that those children don't have to travel to SickKids or downtown for their care," said Lesley Ring, vice president with Major Gifts & Campaigns at the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.
The head-shaving event will take place on April 22 at the Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket.
This year's fundraising goal is $100,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.