Two Foundations hosted inaugural events in support of UHN over the weekend, raising more than $2.5 million to advance research, innovation and patient care at Canada's No. 1 hospital.
Nearly 4,000 participants came together in downtown Toronto on Saturday, May 31 for We Walk UHNITED presented by Rogers, UHN Foundation's newest event. It raised more than $1.3 million.
Later that same day in Mississauga, more than 400 cricketers gathered at Celebration Square as The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, presented by TD, hosted the inaugural Cricket to Conquer Cancer, raising more than $1.16 million in the largest street cricket fundraiser in Canada.
"My deepest gratitude and congratulations to the leadership and staff of UHN Foundation and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation," says Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO of UHN, who was a participant in We Walk UHNITED. "Their outstanding efforts in making these inaugural events happen underscore the vital role community support plays in UHN research and innovation.
"I would also like to give a huge thank you to all members of TeamUHN, including those who participated in the weekend's events through attendance or donation, for the unwavering dedication and remarkable contribution they bring to their work every day."
At We Walk UHNITED, event participants comprised hospital staff, patients, their families and friends, and the donor community at large. They were joined by numerous high-profile Canadian guests including rock icon Tom Cochrane, who delivered a live performance during the post-walk celebration and was introduced by Canadian comedian and TV personality Rick Mercer.
Walking alongside UHN staff and top We Walk UHNITED fundraising teams were notable Canadians including JUNO Award-winning rapper and music producer Kardinal Offishall, JUNO Award-nominated singer-songwriter Aphrose, who sang the national anthem during closing ceremonies, JUNO Award-winning Aysanabee, actor KC Collins of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent and Olympian Sam Schachter.
Maria Papadakis and Shem Parkinson from KiSS 92.5's Roz and Mocha Show brought energy and enthusiasm as event emcees, with fellow on-air personality Damnit Maurie working the crowd. Lead ambassadors Sangita Patel and Madison Tevlin shared their personal UHN stories and helped pump up the crowd before leading participants on the walk route.
"I had so much fun at We Walk UHNITED and was so happy to help support a place that has made such a difference in my life," said Madison Tevlin, actor and We Walk UHNITED ambassador, and patient at UHN's Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, home to the world's largest adult congenital heart disease program. "It was awesome to see so many people come out to walk with me – I can't wait for next year!"
At Cricket to Conquer, the exciting, first-of-its-kind fundraising event united cancer survivors, caregivers, athletes, celebrities, and supporters of all backgrounds in one shared mission: to create a world free from the fear of cancer.
"I felt powerless when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and when my close friend, Kenroy, passed away from this disease," said Carlos Brathwaite, an international cricket star. "I'm proud to bring my passion for cricket to Canada to help launch this event and raise funds for cancer research that can help transform cancer care and treatment everywhere – including my home, Barbados."
With two in five Canadians facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the event was more than just a game — it was a community movement for collective impact. Proceeds will benefit life-saving research at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world's leading cancer research and treatment centres.
The We Walk UHNITED event was a powerful display of unity, community, and support for Canada's No. 1 hospital, with proceeds supporting world-class health care and advancing research, innovation, and patient care across UHN's many sites.
"The support we've seen through We Walk UHNITED's inaugural year speaks volumes about the incredible strength and spirit of our UHN community," says Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. "We are grateful to all of our participants, donors, volunteers and sponsors. Their generosity not only fuels medical innovation, it also ensures that when we or our loved ones are sick, we have access to the very best experts in the world, right here at Canada's No. 1 hospital."
In addition to the walk, participants enjoyed a vibrant celebration site featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and an emotional tribute honouring UHN patients and health care workers. We Walk UHNITED was made possible through the support of volunteers, staff, patients and the entire community who donated and participated. Sponsors include Rogers, Sprott Inc., the Globe and Mail, RBC and more. Fundraising will remain open until June 30 at the
We Walk UHNITED home page.
The landmark Cricket to Conquer event signalled a major moment in Canada's evolving sports landscape and serves as a powerful symbol of community, culture and hope.
"This event is about rallying a community, celebrating diversity and changing the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed and treated," says Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "We are grateful to all the participants and supporters who took to the pitch to raise funds that will improve cancer outcomes and provide brighter tomorrows for patients here in Canada and around the globe."
Top fundraising teams had the unique opportunity to draft celebrity players onto their teams through a celebrity draft including notable ambassadors Jully Black, Jamaal Magloire, Dwayne De Rosario, and Carlos Brathwaite.
These household names joined local teams on the pitch, highlighting the inclusive and celebratory nature of the event.
"As a daughter of Jamaican immigrants, cricket was a source of endless joy in my family," says Jully, a Canadian singer-songwriter and artist. "This cause is deeply personal. Cancer has touched every corner of my life — my father is a proud survivor, sadly my mother and grandmother passed away from the disease, and at 27 years old, I too, faced my own cancer scare.
"These experiences left a profound impact on me. I jumped at the opportunity to champion a cause that uplifts, educates, and unites communities to bring hope in the face of a cancer diagnosis."
The event included a full day of family-friendly festivities with cricket matches, live musical performances, food trucks, cultural cuisine, and interactive cricket experiences for all ages.
While this year's fundraiser has come to a close, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation encourages new and returning participants to register online for next year at
Cricket to Conquer Cancer.
