The 20th Annual Celebrity Sports Mixer @The Hockey Hall Of Fame-Wed.,April 17th,2024

By Sally Warburton

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 the 20th Annual Celebrity Sports Mixer for ComKids took place. Comkids.ca The venue? One of the most interesting in Toronto… The Hockey Hall of Fame. What could be more suitable? A beautiful venue. An interesting venue. For a very important fundraiser to support ComKids. This year over 700 people attended to celebrate this 20th Anniversary event which has raised over $7 million since its inception. And after 20 years, ComKids Board Chair has announced that this will be the last Celebrity Sports Mixer. However, at Halloween 2024 the 3rd annual ComKids Masquerade Ball fundraiser will take place at Casa Loma – efforts for the fundraiser will be consolidated then. The future continues to be exciting for ComKids.

What is ComKids? And who benefits from the program? ComKids provides computing technology such as laptops for students whose families are financially disadvantaged. Brand new digital devices, digital literacy and internet access (if required) are provided to help level the playing field. The ComKids program provides youth with technology, mentorship, a sense of hope, opportunity and belief in their potential for their future and for impacting the world. The program has spread across Canada, ComKids is active in 8 provinces and one territory.

Delicious hors d’oeuvre and drinks were served throughout the evening at The Hockey Hall of Fame. Food stations served delicious, nutritious food. Guests mingled and enjoyed the hockey environment… including having the opportunity to meet hockey players Brad Boyes, Gary Leeman, Marcel Dionne, Nick Antropov, Rick Vaive, Shayne Corson, Tomas Kaberle and Wojtek Wolski. Remarks were held in the Great Hall led by MC Jamie “Noodles” McLennan. Celebrities included Gurdeep & Pooja. Sangita Patel and Tyrone Edwards amongst others.

Grade 11 student Nune spoke of her appreciation of being part of the ComKids program and her success. It was a time to celebrate others’ successes and to thank so many people and sponsors involved over the years. Hockey players and Toronto Police were honoured. An event like this couldn’t be run without the help of volunteers, sponsors and partnerships.

The evening concluded with the draw for the 3 special prizes won by very lucky and happy winners! The online Silent Auction continued until 11pm . It was an amazing event for a wonderful cause… our youth, their future and our society. ComKids.ca Congratulations to the team for 20 very successful years of the Celebrity Sports Mixer.