The Hope Gala & Awards is the major fundraiser of the organization providing funds for life-changing programs to support peers and families with SCD.
In addition to funds raised to support programs and projects, the actual event offers the crucial and rare opportunity of bringing together the medical and allied care providers, the patients, caregivers, advocates and volunteers in a formal, non- hospital environment. Over the years, this has led to improved interaction between the patients, caregivers, and their care providers and consequently brought about enhanced care and outcomes for the patients and their families.
The Hope Gala further provides the avenue to educate the hundreds of gala guests on the subject of SCD as well as raise vital funds to support programs and research.
As you might be aware of, June 19th is the National Sickle Cell Day and the Hope Gala & Awards kicks off the celebration of this important awareness day in Ontario.
Among many others, past guests and speakers include Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, HonourableStéphane Dion; Canada’s Minister of Science, Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Mayor of Toronto, Mr. John Tory, Mayor of Markham, Mr. Frank Scarpitti, the former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Hon. David. C. Onley, several MPPs, former Ontario Fairness Commissioner, Hon. Jean Augustine, Deputy Chief of Police Herridge, Former Chief of Police, La Barge, representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ambassadors and Consul-Generals from different countries.
Awards: The Awards component of the event recognizes those who are helping to impact lives positively. Award categories include: Medical, Nursing, Volunteering, Allied Health, Media and Community Awards
Click here for: Hope Gala- Past Award Recipients
Scholarships and Grants: Many youths in post-secondary institutions have been able to combine work with schooling. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many of the youths with SCD as the combined stress of working and schooling results in frequent hospitalizations. To support these students, SCAGO, in 2005 established The Sunday Afolabi Scholarship as a yearly grant to support two or more youths living with SCD in their post-secondary aspirations.
To date, it has provided close to $25,000 in scholarship grants.
Wouldn’t you please support this fundraising event? Kindly find more information on the gala on the links below and for additional information, contact us at communication@sicklecellanemia.ca