BKonthescene

The yearly POGO’s signature event was held at the Steamwhistle Brewery location as POGO PJ Party never disappoints and of course a great time, but at the same time it raises critical funds for childhood cancer care with the generous and incredible support.

Andrew Haley, a five-time Para swimmer medalist, three-time World Champion – and a two-time childhood cancer survivor was the gracious host for the gala.

When Andrew was six, his world turned upside down. A broken leg while playing with his twin brother led to a bone cancer diagnosis. His right leg was amputated above the knee. Two years later, cancer came back, and he lost part of his lung. Both times, his chances of survival were just 35%. A true fighter as Andrew is proof that his resilience is a testament to his true spirit of inspiration.

As Andrew said ”There weren’t organizations like POGO in my home province. Families like mine had to figure things out as we went, with little support and few resources. In Ontario, we have a worldclass childhood cancer care system, where POGO is a champion for kids with cancer and their families.”

We grabbed our stylish  PJs, and yes it was a night to remember—for a cause that truly matters. Guests attending were lounging in their coziest PJs, robes, costumes or sporting rustic cabin fashion statements.

The POGO PJ Party was an epic night to remember! From gourmet food and artisanal signature drinks to live entertainment with plenty’s of s’more fun, roasting marshmallows, the event provided an incredible Canadian cabin experience.

With the help of the generous support from the amazing and incredible community, donors, committee, volunteers and sponsors the gala raised an amazing $350,000.

To date POGO PJ Party has raised over $2.1 million to support children and youth in treatment, their families and survivors of childhood cancer.

The funds raised will provide financial assistance to families so they can pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with their child’s treatment, support survivors with customized school and ​work counselling when their disease or its treatment has left them with learning challenges, and fund promising research that examines the impact of childhood cancer and its treatment.