Media Alert: 13th Annual Meagan's Walk Presented by Colliers International in Support of Paediatric Brain Tumour Research at SickKids


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 9, 2014) -

WHAT: 5KM Walk
13th annual Meagan's Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope to raise awareness, and generate support for, children and families affected by paediatric brain tumours. The five kilometre walk, presented by Colliers International, starts at Fort York and ends with participants forming a giant human hug around The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). To date, Meagan's Walk has raised more than $3.1 million for the hospital.
Meagan's Walk is part of Healthy and Happy, a SickKids campaign in May to educate and raise awareness in the community about children's health issues. The theme of this year's campaign is Healthy Active Living. Participating in Meagan's Walk is a great way for families to be active and spend time outdoors.
WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 2014
8:30 a.m. Registration opens at Fort York
Children's activities and entertainment begin
Wall of Honour at starting area - participants encouraged to sign and offer dedications or wishes of support
9:00 a.m. Interview opportunity with Denise Bebenek
9:10 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin
10:00 a.m. Ribbon cutting/Walk starts at Fort York
11:00 a.m. Participants begin arriving at SickKids to form human hug around the hospital
11:45 a.m. Hospital hug
11:50 a.m. Closing remarks (located in front of the hospital's Elizabeth Street entrance)
12:15 p.m. Interview and photo opportunities with Bebenek family, friends and SickKids patients
Performance by Spice Girls tribute band, Wannabe
Mother's Way - inside SickKids Atrium (rose given to mother's whose children are currently being treated at SickKids)
12:30 p.m. Street party and closing festivities
WHERE: Start - Fort York, 250 Fort York Road, Toronto, ON
Finish - The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON (Elizabeth Street entrance)
WHO: Denise Bebenek - Meagan's mother and founder of Meagan's Walk
Dr. Eric Bouffet - Paediatric neuro-oncologist and director of the Brain Tumour Program at SickKids
Dr. James Rutka - Neurosurgeon and director of The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre at SickKids
Kim Stockwood (and family) - Canadian singer
Andria Case - Anchor and reporter, CTV News
Alicia Markson - Television personality
Ken Norris - Executive managing director at Colliers International
Wannabe - Spice Girls tribute band performing at SickKids hospital following hug
Sheila McCarthy - Award-winning Canadian actress
Tim Bovaconti - Instrumentalist, Ron Sexsmith, Burton Cummings, Leonard Cohen, Kim Stockwood, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Andy Kim

Photo Opportunities

  • Meagan's Walk kick-off at Fort York with Bebenek family
  • Wall of Honour featuring celebrities at Fort York
  • Thousands of participants forming human hug around SickKids
  • Families affected by paediatric brain tumours participating in official proceedings
    'Mother's Way' honouring those whose children are patients at SickKids this Mother's Day weekend
HOW: To participate in Meagan's Walk, you can register here today!

Contact Information:

Meagan's Walk
Lynda Keith
O: 905-642-3865
C: 416-540-7586
lyndakeith123@rogers.com

SickKids Foundation
Heather Bonnar
O: 416-813-6166 x2701
C: 647-225-4901
heather.bonnar@sickkidsfoundation.com