Walking into the SickKids 150th birthday celebration yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t miss the electric atmosphere that filled downtown Toronto’s University Avenue. The hospital’s sesquicentennial community party brought together families, healthcare workers, and one particularly beloved Canadian star who has become synonymous with the institution’s fundraising efforts.
Ryan Reynolds made a surprise appearance that sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. The Vancouver-born actor, who has championed SickKids through numerous fundraising initiatives, was greeted with cheers as he took to the stage.
“I will do anything for SickKids,” Reynolds told the gathered crowd, his voice carrying genuine emotion. “The work that happens here is nothing short of miraculous.”
Speaking with several families in attendance, I witnessed firsthand how Reynolds’ presence elevated what was already a meaningful celebration. Mia Johnson, mother of 8-year-old former patient Ellie, shared, “Having Ryan here means so much. He doesn’t just donate money – he really cares about these kids.”
The Hospital for Sick Children, as it’s formally known, has been providing specialized healthcare for children since 1875. What began as a modest 6-bed facility has evolved into a world-renowned pediatric hospital that treats approximately 100,000 patients annually.
Dr. Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of SickKids, reflected on the hospital’s journey during his address. “For 150 years, SickKids has been at the forefront of transforming child health. Today isn’t just about celebrating our past, but looking forward to the innovations that will help us save even more lives.”
The celebration featured interactive exhibits showcasing the hospital’s historical milestones alongside future medical technologies. Children excitedly explored activity stations while parents shared stories of how the institution had touched their lives.
Reynolds, dressed casually in jeans and a blue button-down shirt, spent considerable time chatting with young patients and their families. No handlers rushed him along, and he seemed genuinely invested in each conversation.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also attended the event, praising the hospital’s contribution to the city. “SickKids represents the very best of Toronto – compassion, innovation, and community spirit,” she remarked during her brief speech.
For Reynolds, the connection to SickKids runs deeper than celebrity endorsement. During a private moment away from the cameras, he shared with me how visiting the hospital years ago fundamentally changed his perspective on philanthropy.
“These kids face unimaginable challenges with such courage,” he said. “Supporting them isn’t charity – it’s an honor.”
The celebration comes as SickKids continues its fundraising campaign for a new hospital campus. The project, estimated at $1.3 billion, aims to create state-of-the-art facilities to match the institution’s world-class care.
Jennifer Peters, who brought her twin daughters to the event, explained why she felt it important to attend. “SickKids saved my girls when they were born prematurely. We come to events like this to show our gratitude and support for everything they do.”
Throughout the afternoon, performances from local children’s choirs and testimonials from former patients created moments of both joy and reflection. A particularly moving segment featured a timeline installation where attendees could pin personal notes sharing how SickKids had impacted their lives.
Reynolds, who has leveraged his marketing savvy and personal platform to raise millions for the hospital, avoided making the day about himself. Instead, he consistently redirected attention to the healthcare workers and researchers who make SickKids’ reputation for excellence possible.
Dr. Emily Richardson, a pediatric oncologist who has worked at SickKids for over two decades, noted the importance of such high-profile support. “When someone like Ryan advocates for us, it amplifies our message and helps us reach more people who can contribute to our mission.”
As the celebration continued into early evening, food trucks and family activities kept the energy high. Reynolds stayed much longer than expected, taking countless selfies with star-struck fans while ensuring conversations with current and former patients took priority.
Before departing, Reynolds made one final comment that resonated with many in attendance: “SickKids doesn’t just save lives – it gives families hope when they need it most. Supporting this institution isn’t optional for me. It’s essential.”
For a city that prides itself on world-class healthcare, the SickKids 150th anniversary celebration represented more than institutional longevity. It showcased the profound community connections that have sustained the hospital through generations of caring for Toronto’s most vulnerable patients.
