RBC Race for the KIDS! Thank you Andrew Staniforth

 
When Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Hockey Club vice president Andrew Staniforth’s 11-year-old son was struggling during the pandemic, the youth mental health resources at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) helped his family cope.
 
“CHEO has a great program called 1Call1Click.ca, which provides access to dozens of local providers,” said Staniforth. “It is designed to match children, youth and families living in Eastern Ontario with the right mental health and addiction services, at the right time.”
 
As a way to say thanks, Staniforth, as manager of his son’s team, enlisted the team to support RBC Race for the Kids, which supports the CHEO Foundation and its focus on pediatric healthcare.
 
“It was such a great bonding experience for the kids to get out there, get some exercise, and learn about what CHEO does in the community,” said Staniforth, whose son Carter is part of the organization’s U15AA team. “When you’re able to take a team of young players and their family members out to do something fun and healthy, and there are smiles all around, to me that is what minor sports should be.”
 
As a team manager, Staniforth has also rallied other families associated with his team and many others across the West Ottawa minor hockey organization. 
 
“We all know that hockey is a big part of life for many Canadian families, so why not harness that energy and teamwork for something really important?” said Staniforth. “I knew CHEO was important in the community, but I guess we didn’t realize how many people we knew – including my family – relied on the place.”
 
In the first year of his hockey experiment Staniforth’s efforts resulted in $6,200 raised.
Over the past 4 years, thanks to the involvement of dozens of additional West Ottawa teams, that number has grown to almost $30,000.
 
“By participating, the kids hear stories about other kids in the area who have been helped by the hospital, and they get in the habit of helping and appreciating the impact,” said Staniforth. “What better legacy could we leave to our kids?”
 
Live and virtual RBC Race for the Kids events are held each year in more than a dozen cities across several continents. Each race benefits a local children’s charity or hospital, with several focusing on children’s cancer or youth mental health. 
 
“From creative fundraisers to behind-the-scenes planners to Olympian volunteers, these seven individuals share an incredible passion and have had a lasting impact on the success of RBC Race for the Kids across the globe,” said Andrea Barrack, SVP, Sustainability & Impact, RBC. “The RBC Race for the Kids Hall of Heroes is our way of putting the spotlight on these inspirational leaders, showcasing the stories of those who have helped us achieve $100 million in fundraising to support youth charities worldwide.”