5 memorable moments from the 2022 Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada Gala

Valarie and Nicholas on stage

The 36th annual Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada Gala – Teddy Bear Affair was a huge success.

A beautiful evening in support of children, youth and families affected by the child welfare system, it was a night full of inspiring stories, delicious food, and great music. Guests and donors in attendance helped make it a record-breaking evening for Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, raising $2.4 million. Thank you to our hosts, Bakari Savage and Shanelle Kaul, Patron Sponsors CIBC Foundation and PwC Canada, and our Honourary Co-Chairs Nicolas Marcoux and Laura Dottori-Attanasio for making this success possible.

In recognition of this incredible night, we wanted to share 5 memorable moments from the Foundation Gala:

co-chairs on stage

1. When our Honourary Co-Chairs inspired the room!

The Foundation Gala’s Honourary Co-Chairs, Nicolas Marcoux (Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner of PwC Canada) and Laura Dottori-Attanasio (formerly Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head of Personal and Business Banking, Canada at CIBC), are two of Canada’s most prominent business leaders. During the Foundation Gala’s fundraising moment, Nicolas and Laura were called up to the stage to rally guests to give. And give they did – guests help raise over $200,000 in just 20 minutes!

youth ambassadors Chelsea, Troy and Brittnay on stage

2. First Voice Advocates take the stage!

A highlight of the Foundation Gala was a special moment where First Voice Advocates Brittany, Chelsea and Troy took to the stage. All three are Youth Ambassadors for Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada and First Voice Advocates with lived experience with the child welfare system. They shared stories of perseverance and resilience and how the Foundation has supported them throughout the years. The Youth Moment was accompanied by dancers and a choir.

guests looking at art

3. And we’re live, in person! The Foundation Gala’s Almost Live Auction

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada was thrilled to return to a full in-person event after two years including being able to display beautiful artwork up for bid from talented artists such as Peter McLennan and Darlene Cole.

Art is only one part of the Foundation Gala auction – another key aspect of the auction is the Almost Live Auction. The Almost Live Auction included a trip to Costa Rica, flights from Air Canada Foundation and more.

Gala raffle items

4. Announcing the winners of our Teddy Bear Raffle

Each year, the Foundation Gala has a raffle which raises funds to support children, youth and their families. With every ticket purchased, guests got to take home a teddy bear! This year, our Raffle sponsor Royal de Versailles Jewellers provided three beautiful raffle prizes – a tourmaline and diamond ring, a diamond pendant on a chain and a freshwater pearl and diamond bracelet. When the winners, Victoria, Joanna and Jhad claimed their prizes, the room erupted in applause!

Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra and Guests Dancing

5. Taking to the dance floor!

Foundation Gala guests danced the night away with the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra! The international showband provided wonderful entertainment and guests sang and dance until it was time to head home after a meaningful and inspiring night.


We would like to recognize our sponsors:

Patron Sponsors 

CIBC Foundation 

PwC Canada 

Platinum Sponsors 

BMO 

Canada Guaranty 

CanCap Group 

Generation Capital 

Pollinate Networks 

The Slaight Family Foundation 

Gold Sponsors 

AMJ Campbell 

Atta Elevators

Desjardins 

National Bank 

RBC

Scotiabank 

TD 

Visa 

Silver Sponsors 

Birch Hill Equity Partners 

CI Financial 

ECN Capital 

Equitable Bank 

HSBC Bank 

Intact Insurance 

Maple Leaf Foods 

Metropia 

Peter Gilgan Foundation 

Sagen 

Soroc Technology Inc. 

TSYS Canada 

Bronze Sponsors 

Accenture 

Bell 

Bennett Jones 

Boston Consulting Group 

Condrain Group 

Corus Entertainment  

Definity Financial  

Deloitte 

Element 

GFL 

Home Trust 

KPMG 

McCarthy Tetrault LLP 

McKinsey & Company 

Navigator 

Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP 

Tangerine