sickkids
#FIRSTLOOK: RYAN REYNOLDS HOSTS “IF” SCREENING AT SICKKIDS
Ahead of the highly anticipated release of IF on May 17, 2024, Ryan Reynolds set up a special screening of the film for the patients and families of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) . Following the screening, the kids shared their unfiltered and hilarious reactions on video, adding an extra dose of laughter and entertainment into an already magical evening – with one joking, “I thought he was better in Barbie!”
SickKids Hospital was transformed into a true Hollywood-style premiere complete with a purple carpet in honor of the IF character, Blue. Over 180 patients and their families attended the screening event.
Donate today at sickkidsfoundation.com
As a longtime supporter of SickKids, Reynolds is known to release a video (often wearing his recognizable ugly sweater) during the holiday season to drive donations to the hospital. You can watch last year’s video HERE.
About SickKids Foundation:
Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids – one of the world’s foremost pediatric health-care institutions. Thanks to the generosity of the community, and despite the impacts of the global pandemic, SickKids Foundation generated more than $207 million in revenue in support of child health for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.
About IF:
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
#FUNDRAISING: CONCORD X CLAW & KITTY RAISE FUNDS FOR SICKKIDS FOUNDATION
This is an amazing way to do good for the SickKids Foundation and also have some fun along the way! Concord and Claw & Kitty Join Forces for Fundraising Event Benefiting SickKids Foundation Concord, in collaboration with Claw & Kitty, is excited to announce a special fundraising event in support of SickKids Foundation.
The event is set to take place at the Popup store located at Concord Park Place, 87 Esther Shiner Blvd, North York (beside IKEA), on December 3 and December 10, 2023.
Event Details:
Dates: December 3 and December 10, 2023
Venue: Popup store at Concord Park Place (87 Esther Shiner Blvd, North York)
Exclusive Time Slot for SickKids Hospital’s Friends and Family:
December 3, 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm
First 50 registrants will receive a $10 value token for free, guaranteeing the acquisition of one plushie to take home.
Media and influencers are welcome to join.
beanie and I were able to visit and had so much fun! A reel of highlights:
Participants who register on Eventbrite will receive a $10 value token, providing them with a chance to win a plushie. Click here.
Additional tokens can be obtained by donating $10 to SickKids, granting participants an extra 3 tokens.
All donations will directly benefit the SickKids Foundation.
#SPOTTED: BILLY BALDWIN IN TORONTO FOR RALLY FOR KIDS WITH CANCER
Now in its seventh year, the Rally for Kids with Cancer has raised over $12 million for SickKids. The Rally brought in some Stars for the Scavenger Cup race giving Drivers a chance to ride with a Celebrity Navigator. Among the Stars participating in the Affair this weekend were Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy), Jason George (Grey’s Anatomy), Julie Benz Defiance), Morris Chestnut (Think Like a Man), Billy Baldwin (Sliver, Backdraft) and several more.
We were lucky spotting Baldwin on his way out of Toronto, putting on his sunglasses to avoid being noticed, but our radars went off immediately! The Actor is getting ready to film Western Purgatory alongside his Gossip Girl Co-Star Elizabeth Hurley. He may even have picked-up a few items for his Wilson Phillips Singer-Wife Chynna Phillips at one of the gifting lounges this weekend!
To learn more about the Rally for Kids with Cancer, click here.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/The CW)
#SPOTTED: HILARY DUFF IN TORONTO FOR DURACELL’S “POWERING HOLIDAY SMILES” INITIATIVE FOR SICKKIDS
26-year-old Multimedia Mogul Hilary Duff is back in Toronto doing good for our City! Although traditionally she has visited in December in recent years to spend some quality time with BFF, E! Television Personality Leah Miller, Duff will be at SickKids Hospital later today handing-out toys to Children as part of Duracell‘s Powering Holiday Smiles Initiative. The Campaign donates funds generated from battery purchases, towards the Children’s Miracle Network. Learn more about it here.
The hopelessly-chic Duff arrived at CITY‘s Breakfast Television today to chat with Dina Pugliese, donning festive gold polka dots on her black blouse. “I’m lucky I have a name will people pay attention to and get to raise awareness for important causes like this for people going through a hard time, spending their holidays in the Hospital”, says Duff. “Anything for a smile!”.
2014 finally will see new Music from Duff, her first Disc in five years. “I’m finally at a good place where I know the direction. I’m writing a lot and purging everything that’s been inside these five years.”. The Album is slated for a Spring 2014 release, of which six Indie-Dance oriented Songs already have been recorded. She also vows to return to Toronto to promote when the time comes!
Despite calling Toronto her second home, the Mother of 20-month-old Luca plans to spend the Holidays at home in Los Angeles with her Canadian Husband, retired Hockey Star Mike Comrie.
Although at least 50 Fans queued outside hoping to meet Duff outside the Studio, queueing in the cold as early as 6:00 AM, only a few were lucky enough to get a Snap with the style-conscious Star, wearing brightly her trademark smile for Fans.
Watch Duff‘s Interview on Breakfast Television here.
Digging-back a couple years, I had the pleasure of meeting a radiant Duff while Holiday Shopping this day two years ago, while she was still pregnant with Luca!
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: MARIO LOPEZ IN TORONTO FOR “BLISS BALL”
Quickly becoming an important annual fixture in the City, the Bliss Ball took place Midtown at The Estates of Sunnybrook tonight. Now in its second year and put-on by The Dilawri Foundation, proceeds from the Ball go to The Patient Amenities Fund at SickKids Hospital, aiding those Families requiring Financial Aid.
Among the amazing Talent here in support of the Event this year were the likes of Carly Rose Sinclair of The Voice, Katharine McPhee, Chris Noth, David Blaine and the Headliner, Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls. Popular Television Personality Mario Lopez hosted the Event which saw Sex & the City Star Noth auction off a stay in his Apartment, in addition to a private Dinner with Mr. Big himself.
We spotted Lopez flying-in from Los Angeles earlier today on the same flight as Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, who were in-town for the Just for Laughs Festival‘s presentation of The Family Guy Live. The Host of Popular Entertainment Staple EXTRA Tweeted, “Taking off to Toronto.. Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis sitting next to me.. Cool couple.. Ashton tackled me on the plane. Both wrestlers..”. Although Fans had to ask a few times, Lopez finally agreed to take Photos and was nice about as he awaited his Vehicle’s delayed arrival.
Learn more about the Bliss Ball here.
See my Snap with Lopez below:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: IAN SOMERHALDER & NINA DOBREV IN TORONTO FOR EASTER
One of Television’s favourite real-life Couples came back to Toronto to deliver a bit of Easter Cheer. Toronto Native Nina Dobrev, Star of The CW‘s hit Series The Vampire Diaries arrived in Toronto with her Partner/Co-Star Ian Somerhalder on Good Friday, and in addition to visiting her Family, they also visited one special Fan at SickKids Hospital earlier today.
Cambridge Teen Kayla Baker recently was admitted to Intensive Care at the Toronto Hospital, still currently awaiting a double Lung Transplant. Her Idols Dobrev and Somerhalder put aside time to pay her a special visit shortly after 3:00 PM Saturday, spending an hour with her, making a life’s wish come true. Baker‘s Classmates at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School meanwhile continue to raise funds aggressively in her honour.
See Dobrev and Somerhalder‘s Video to Baker below:
Earlier in the day, the Couple made a stop-off at our famous St. Lawrence Market and put aside a little time for Spirit and Health after their Hospital visit doing a Hot Yoga Session at a Queen Street West Studio, where one surprised Patron had the pleasure of Somerhalder being her Yoga Partner! Unfortunately, some Fans who spotted the Couple out and about earlier today were denied Photos with the Couple, but they did get waves from Dobrev in the Driver’s Seat and Somerhalder in the Passenger’s Seat of their car.
Dobrev and Somerhalder were spotted early Easter Day enjoying some Tim Hortons before heading-off to an Easter Lunch with the Family. The Couple headed straight out of Toronto midday with Family sending them off with a warm Goodbye, as they embark on a new work week. The Couple were amazingly nice to stop quickly for a few Photos with Fans, a sunglass-donning Somerhalder whispering, “Be careful not to draw attention to us.”. The Vampire Diaries continues to film in Georgia, with its fourth season Finale set to air mid-May.
Meanwhile, Dobrev and Somerhalder‘s Diaries Co-Stars Daniel Gillies and Joseph Morgan just have been announced to star in a Spin-Off of the wildly successful Series, set in New Orleans. That Episode which will serve as a Pilot for the Series, airs on Thursday, April 25, 2013. This however, keeps Gillies a v. busy Man as he’s also to film the second season of CTV‘s Medical-Drama Series Saving Hope in Toronto as well up till September.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FUNDRAISING: BOOK YOUR PHOTOSHOOT WITH MR. WILL FOR SICKKIDS
Hey Friends!
Happy Holidays! Just a reminder that from now till the end of January, I’m raising a bit of money for the SickKids Foundation’s Possibilities Fund, catering to the Hospital’s most urgent needs.
My initiative, Mr. Will’s Collages for Kids, requires only a $40 Donation and gets you an individual 10-15 minute Photoshoot with me in-and-around Toronto. Right now Tuesdays and Wednesdays are available only. If you want to bring your Friends, Family and Pets in on the fun, by all means – the more the merrier! An extra donation of only $15 is required per extra individual.
This is a great way to have something festive to remember forever and at once, a great way to show you care about those Kids in our Community who need our help most!
Photo-shy? No worries! Donations of any amount are accepted between now and the end of January. Click here to make your contribution!
Simply e-mail press@mrwillwong.com to book your shoot. Hurry, as time is running out!
Cheers,
Mr. Will
#FUNDRAISING: “MR. WILL’S COLLAGES FOR KIDS” IN SUPPORT OF SICK KIDS FOUNDATION
In 2006, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and wouldn’t have made it through without the amazing care of Mount Sinai Hospital. In 2009 I gave-back by launching my Save Lives with Your New Profile Pic Initiative where together we contributed a generous donation to the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation.
It feels good to give and the SickKids Foundation supports a variety of programs which I stand behind firmly. I’m calling on you my Friends to take part in my latest Social Media Fundraiser, Mr. Will’s Collages for Kids, where for a minimum Donation of $40, we will do a quick 10-minute Photoshoot of you, to be turned into your own individual Collage. This will be sent back to you digitally within 24 hours.
The more the merrier this Holiday Season, so if you wanted to do Group Collages, this can be arranged for an additional $15 per person. Photoshoots will take place in the Greater Toronto Area and with the City in festive spirits this Holiday Season, it shouldn’t be hard to find somewhere fun! The Initiative runs throughout the month of December 2012, with all proceeds going to the SickKids Foundation‘s Possibilities Fund, catering to the Hospital for Sick Children‘s most pressing needs.
If you’re Photo-shy, that’s totally fine also. Cash Donations can be routed (click here) from December through January and Tax Receipts will be provided upon request for contributions meeting a minimum $20.00.
To RSVP, simply E-mail here right away. Don’t be shy and create awareness by sharing this on Facebook and Twitter! Look forward to hanging with you soon!
xMr. Will
#SPOTTED: JENNIFER HUDSON IN TORONTO FOR “BLISS BALL” & “WE DAY”
I honestly don’t believe my luck! Anyone who knows me well will know about my v. public J-Hud Obsession phase, which had me seeing Dreamgirls at the theatre seven times, not to mention the giant Poster on my wall, Fridge Magnets, Postcards, Deluxe Edition Soundtrack, Three-Disc Limited Edition DVD. The Mania went even further as I went on a mission to snatch-up every Magazine Cover featuring her during her Oscar Campaign. You name it, I had it. Things got so bad for a while that I stopped supporting Beyoncé (we’re okay again), her on-screen Nemesis. Jennifer Hudson for a good 18 months was my Female Alter-ego.
And you can just imagine how devastated I was last year when she couldn’t make her Premiere at TIFF 2011 for WINNIE, which has her portraying Winnie Mandela! It still was v. cool however, meeting her Co-Star Terrence Howard!
Today was my lucky day as I took Billy on a stroll through Yorkville at Lunchtime to notice an Escalade parked uncharacteristically right in-front of Nervosa Trattoria. Noticing the window was rolled a third-down, right before my eyes I saw the Oscar and GRAMMY Winner. Within moments, she came out of the Car with her Handler, amazingly nice to come over to stop for a Photo. Even in casual mode, she looked stunning – proudly sporting that amazing improved physique!
Hudson is in-town for two reasons: she appears tomorrow at Air Canada Centre, performing at We Day – celebrating inspiration and global change among Youth – and on Saturday, she makes her way to historic Fort York to perform at Bliss Ball, in support of SickKids‘ Patient Amenities Fund. A big Heart to match that big Voice.
Make no mistake though, the Chicago Native actually knows Toronto real well. She Tweeted yesterday, “On my way to Canada !! Toronto is my old stomping ground. It’s like home. I’m excited.”.
And while we’re on the topic, WINNIE also happens to open in theatres on Friday, October 5, 2012. I am hosting a Giveaway for Tickets along with D Films and District PR for Passes across Canada. Enter here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
JENNIFER HUDSON TO APPEAR AT “WE DAY” AND “BLISS BALL” IN TORONTO
Although she was unable to make it out to TIFF 2011 for Winnie for which she is said to deliver a strong performance, Oscar and GRAMMY Winner Jennifer Hudson is Toronto-bound at month’s end to spread a bit of goodwill. In addition to a recently-announced appearance at WE Day to help inspire change among Youth on Friday, September 28, 2012 at Air Canada Centre, she also is now slated to appear at the Bliss Ball on Saturday, September 29, 2012 in Fort York, for the SickKids Hospital Patient Amenities Fund.
Suffice it to say, she’s more than making-up for last year’s Toronto snub?
D Films will be releasing Winnie v. soon. Passes possibly to come? Stay tuned.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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