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Every July, the Teddy Bear Adventure brings together a dynamic group of young business professionals from across Bay Street, united by one purpose: to make a difference for children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system.
This year, more than 20 banks and firms rallied behind the campaign, hosting creative fundraising events ranging from pickleball to poker nights, wine tastings to trading floor breakfasts, culminating in Nostalgia Night, a networking event with music, games, and connection. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors including RBC as host and Patron Sponsor, National Bank Financial and Northleaf Capital as Presenting Sponsors and Fifth Element, as Gold Sponsor, the leadership of a brilliant committee and donors, Teddy Bear Adventure 2025 raised over $325,000, surpassing last year’s record of $304,000 and bringing the campaign’s lifetime total to nearly $1 million since its launch in 2020.
At the heart of the campaign were three dedicated Co-Chairs who shared why they chose to lead and what the experience meant to them.
Why They Said “Yes”
For Danielle Charney, Northleaf Capital, the mission was deeply personal:
“Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s mission has resonated with me since I first started getting involved with the foundation over 5 years ago. I said ‘yes’ to being a Co-Chair because I wanted to use my network and leadership skills to make a difference in the lives of children and youth involved in the child welfare system in Canada. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my incredible parents. But I also recognize that not every child has the safety and support of a stable family – and that’s where the foundation comes in – because I cannot agree more that every child deserves to be given the opportunity to thrive.”
For Rohan Anand, Scotiabank, it was the combination of people and purpose:
“It was definitely the mission — but also the people. The idea of bringing our community and our peers together through shared memories and meaningful moments felt incredibly powerful. I saw it as a chance to help create something that wasn’t just another fundraising campaign, but an experience that could reconnect us with our past as well as our peers. And honestly, the energy of the team made it impossible to say no.”
And for Ashley Vandertorn, Mackenzie Financial, it was the sense of shared purpose she felt from the very start:
“I joined the Teddy Bear Adventure committee last year, and from the very first meeting, I could tell this was something special. It wasn’t just about fundraising — it was about a shared purpose. People from across Bay Street are coming together, all enthusiastic and committed to making a real impact. That kind of energy is contagious. I’ve always believed in giving my time to causes that matter, and this felt like a perfect fit. When the opportunity came up to take on a bigger role, it was an easy yes.”
What the Campaign Gave Back
While the campaign’s fundraising success was extraordinary, the experience gave the Co-Chairs something more.
Danielle reflected on the power of connection:
“I have formed so many new relationships – both personal and professional – from joining this campaign. It’s amazing to be able to build and deepen connections while also supporting such an important cause that I am passionate about.”
Rohan described the lasting impression of nostalgia and empathy:
“I didn’t expect how deeply nostalgic I’d feel. Seeing the campaign come together and successfully raise nearly $ 1 million over approximately six years was an incredibly fulfilling experience. It reminded me exactly why I am passionate about this work. Professionally, it sharpened my ability to lead with empathy — to listen more closely, collaborate more openly, and trust the process even when things felt uncertain.”
Ashley expressed a new perspective on making an impact:
“I found it surprising how easy it was to apply the skills I use every day at work to the Co-Chair position and helping put on the Nostalgia Night event. I’m sure many think of transferable skills from a career development perspective, but there are so many more opportunities around to use and grow your skills. In this case, to make an impact on an important cause. “
What They Hope People Remember
Each Co-Chair also hoped guests at Nostalgia Night would walk away with something unforgettable.
Danielle wished for “that carefree joy that we all had as kids” alongside a reminder that “there are so many children across Canada who are dealing with challenges that no child should have to face.”
Rohan hoped for “warmth… that feeling of being surrounded by people who get what you’re trying to do, and who share in the belief that the Children’s Aid Foundation is good people doing great things.”
And Ashley wanted guests to leave feeling “connected to the cause, and a sense of wanting to contribute more.”
A Record Year, A Brighter Future
Teddy Bear Adventure 2025 proved once again that when purpose and community come together, the results are extraordinary. This campaign continues to grow, as does its impact on the lives of children and youth in the child welfare system. We are deeply grateful to our Teddy Bear Adventure community for making this year a record-breaking success.
Interested in joining the committee or bringing your firm on board for 2026?
We’d love to hear from you!
