This Fun, One-Day Family Event Gives Back to Children’s Cancer Research & Treatment

It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 10 years since we walked the halls of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children as new parents.

My son was two days old when he was transferred to SickKids via our birth hospital by ambulance. My third day as a mother was spent sitting in the waiting room of the surgical ward at SickKids while my son was in surgery for 8 hours.

For six weeks we rode the rollercoaster that many parents of sick children ride. When my son was finally able to come home I promised myself that I would spend my life trying to give back to that hospital.

My greatest wish would be that no parent ever has to know what it feels like to be inside those hospital walls. The fear and desperation that flows through you when your child is sick and it is all out of your control is paralyzing. But, the truth is, too many of us will have to make a visit at some point and if you do end up inside those walls it will be terrifying and devastating and you will be so thankful that you have access to the kind of care and compassion that is SickKids.

SickKids fundraisers are kind of our jam. Family-friendly SickKids Fundraisers are even better.

Funtastical is Just That

Funtastical is a family-friendly day of indoor fun in support of SickKids at Markham Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 11th.

It’s going to be an amazing day filled with games, raffles, face painting, vendors, a fun zone and fashion show. And, throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to see some top children’s performers.

Like the CBC Kids Thrillusionists, for example—a team of kid-friendly magicians that will take the stage to blow your whole family away with their illusions. Or, test out your theatrical skills with DuffleBag theatre who offer up an interactive theatre experience for all.

If your kiddos love music, then this is definitely the place to be. All day long the performers’ stage will be taken over by tons of musicians, including Marlowe and the Mix and Girl Pow-R who will be rocking top 40 and pop songs, while Dan the Music Man will be there to entertain kids of all ages.

One of the most exciting surprise entertainers of the day is two time Juno award-winning Fred Penner who will be there to sing all his old classics along with a newly released song.

If you get hungry you can visit one of the many food trucks on site ready to dish out some tasty treats.

Ticket Info

Tickets can be purchased online or at the event but if you’re ahead of the game and get your tickets online before May 1st you will be entered into a draw to win a gorgeous pearl necklace from Mark Lash. Single tickets are $15 and you can save money by buying 4, 5 or 6 ticket bundles.

Funtastical is an amazing event that will allow you and your kids to spend a day having a blast together. But, as someone who has experienced first hand the miracles of SickKids, the best part of this event is the money that will go straight back to the hospital. This year’s event funds are specifically targeted towards Children’s Cancer Research & Treatment.

Which means you can enjoy a day of thrills and feel good knowing that you’re giving back to an incredible cause at the same time.