Helping Children Rise: Right To Play’s The Heroes Gala
The Heroes Gala was an incredible success, breaking records and raising an amazing $2,825,000 to support children rising above adversity!
This year, Right To Play recognized two exceptional Canadians and long-time supporters of Right To Play: Olympic Gold Medalist and Right To Play Ambassador Caroline Ouellette and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Canada, Louis Vachon. Both Ouellette and Vachon have actively worked to unlock young people’s potential through play and sport, and continue to support every child’s right to rise above their challenges.
The Heroes Gala was made possible by Title Sponsors Power Corporation of Canada and National Bank of Canada. The event featured special performances by Cirque du Soleil and Sean Jones, as well as the presentation of Youth Leadership Awards to two outstanding young women who participate in Right To Play’s programming. The award presentation was especially poignant as it took place on the UN’s International Day of the Girl.
Along with the honourees, audience members were also treated to presentations by the Honourable Minister for International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Honourable Minister for Children, Community and Social Services and the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, Lisa MacLeod, as well as Right To Play founder, Johann Olav Koss.
“We have an amazing group of leaders from across Canada coming together to help children rise above adversity,” said Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Right To Play, “We are so honoured to share our message that every child should be protected, educated and empowered with them, and to draw on their support to make that a reality. The Heroes Gala is critical for raising the funds to support the 1.9 million children across 15 countries who learn vital life skills in Right To Play programs.”
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or volunteered for making The Heroes Gala such a success!