K&S Foundation in Support of Smilezone

Kate and I are back for another exciting year of fundraising!

Each year we set out to raise money for a charity that reflects our recent experiences. This journey started in 2020 with a cookie drive in support of the PMCC, after a friend of ours was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In 2021, after the passing of Kate’s mom, we chose to raise money for the Women’s Centre of Halton, a social services organization committed to improving the lives of women in crisis. We were blown away by the response last year and almost quadrupled our original goal, raising $7,700. Continuing on our mission for a third time, the annual K&S Foundation (yes, we gave ourselves a name) fundraiser will be in support of Smilezone, an Oakville not-for-profit.

Smilezone strives to make tough days a little brighter for kids receiving treatment in hospitals and health care facilities. They transform children’s treatment locations from scary and daunting to engaging, fun, and comfortable spaces. Currently, there are 324 “Smilezones” across the world that are positively impacting more than 236,000 kids, and we hope to add a few more!

I was first introduced to Smilezone earlier in 2022 through a very special project they spearheaded, the Jim Neilson Sports Complex. A brand new hockey arena named in honour of my late grandfather. Jim was Cree, born in Big River, Saskatchewan and grew up in an orphanage. From these humble beginnings, he excelled to have a remarkable 1,000+ game career in the NHL, playing 14 years with the New York Rangers. My grandpa wholeheartedly believed in the significance of giving back. During the hockey off-season he’d tour reserves around Canada to encourage young Indigenous children to prioritize their education and get involved in sports.

For the sports complex, Smilezone designed the most incredible NY Rangers themed locker rooms, with custom benches, jerseys and even hand-painted murals. Through the support of Smilezone, Smilezone’s CEO & NY Ranger alumni Adam Graves, plus many other generous contributors, the Jim Neilson Sports Complex is a place where Indigenous kids who are systemically underserved have the opportunity to play, learn and be themselves. It is now home to Big River's first-ever youth girl's hockey team!

You can see more about the Jim Neilson Sports Complex click here

Or, to check out Smilezones website click here

We would greatly appreciate your donation towards Smilezone, an organization that's near and dear to our hearts. But wait, that’s not all this year... in good Jim Neilson fashion, we will also be hosting a free open skate at Canlan arena in Oakville on Feb 12th at 1:30pm! Come by to meet us, enjoy some snacks, listen to some good music and enjoy a fun winter activity. All are welcome!!!

Thanks so much!

Sydney & Kate <3