This year, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada hosted the 33rd annual Gala – Teddy Bear Affair alongside event honorary co-chairs Dave and Karen McKay and in partnership with RBC.
The evening opened with attention-grabbing performances by Jordan Hart and The 6ix Stix. We were thrilled to welcome back broad-caster and author Andrea Bain as our host for the evening, along with our first-ever youth co-host Erine, a former youth in care.
We were also honored to have been joined by the Teddy Bear Affair’s founder, Judi Cohen, to celebrate her incredible legacy and dedication to serving children, youth, and families across Canada.
Later in the night, guests heard from Chanda, former youth in care, who shared her personal experience in child welfare and the impact the Foundation has made in her life. This moving narrative was accompanied by opera singer Meher Oavri, cellist Eaner Yoon, and pianist Goldwin Friesen.
Guests enjoyed the the photo booth, sponsored by BMO; participated in Teddy’s Raffle; and browsed and bid on incredible prizes and artwork in our almost-live auction thanks to our Almost Live Auction Partner, Air Canada Foundation, and our silent auction thanks to our Technology Partner, CGI. They were also treated to performances by Slaight Music artists Jillea and Theo Tams, and jumped to their feet when a hidden dance floor was revealed and Sole Power took the stage to close out a fantastic night. Thank you to our Entertainment Partner, The Slaight Family Foundation.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Gala by attending, donating, partnering, sponsoring, and volunteering. Together, we raised a total of $1.8 million to support the vulnerable children and youth we serve. Your generosity also helped us to bring the total raised for the Teddy Bear Fund to $4.9 million.