TORONTO — The Canadian travel community showed its generosity in full force at the 10th Annual TravelBrands Charity Golf Classic, held at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, ON.
Despite a delayed start due to rain, the milestone event concluded with a record-setting $621,000 raised for SickKids Foundation.
“This event is proof of what happens when our industry unites,” said Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO, TravelBrands. “Whether we’re partners, customers, or even competitors, days like this remind us that we can put everything aside for the greater good. Supporting SickKids is something we all care deeply about.”
The funds raised will directly support the Black Family Heart Centre at SickKids, advancing paediatric cardiac care and research. TravelBrands has pledged to raise $3 million for SickKids, and with this year’s success, the company has now contributed more than $2.44 million. This year’s fundraising was made even more impactful through the FDC Foundation, which generously matched every dollar raised.
The evening portion of the event was hosted by Maria Papadakis, newly appointed Social Media Content & Engagement Manager for Redtag.ca and TravelBrands. “Together, our community has ensured that the 10th anniversary of this tournament was the most impactful yet,” she told attendees. “Every sponsor, every foursome, every bid made today has a direct impact on the children and families who rely on SickKids.”
Guests also had the opportunity to hear from SickKids ambassador Henry and his family, whose moving story underscored why continued support is essential. With a 98.5% survival rate among paediatric heart surgery patients, SickKids continues to be a world leader in innovation and care.
The significance of this year’s tournament was further highlighted by the presence of senior executives from H.I.S., TravelBrands’ parent company based in Japan. Their support reinforced the global reach of this initiative and the importance of philanthropy across all levels of the travel business.
Over the past decade, the TravelBrands Charity Golf Classic has grown into one of the most important philanthropic traditions in the Canadian travel industry. Airlines, tour operators, hotel partners and technology providers continue to rally behind the cause, ensuring that the event not only celebrates the joy of travel and golf but also creates lasting impact for children and families in need.
