CHEO Foundation

The CHEO Foundation is responsible for developing, accepting, distributing, and recognizing philanthropy in support of CHEO, the CHEO Research Institute and Roger Neilson House.

Incorporated in 1974, the CHEO Foundation was established by a group of volunteers who came together in the early 1960’s. Their goal was to convince government to fund a pediatric hospital in Ottawa, so families would not have to travel long distances in order to access care for their children. This vision and their tireless advocacy paid off in 1974, when CHEO opened its doors.

With passion and determination, this group planted a seed that has blossomed into a world-class healthcare centre proudly serving eastern Ontario, western Quebec, northern Ontario, Nunavut and beyond.

Today, the CHEO Foundation works with this wonderful community to manage and disburse funds raised through third-party and signature events as well as annual fundraising campaigns. Community organizers support CHEO through more than 250 events each year, ranging from corporate and private parties to barbecues and sports tournaments. Significant funds are also raised through annual giving and bequests. CHEO is part of the North America-wide Children’s Miracle Network that allocates funds raised by local operators of large national and international corporations to benefit CHEO. Contributions large and small, from marquis galas to lemonade stands, enable a wide variety of pediatric programs, research, state-of-the-art equipment, medical and nursing education, and assistance for families in crisis.

Each year, the CHEO Foundation holds events that champion the children, youth and families who access various pediatric-specific services and honour the power of community and volunteer participation that makes all of this work possible. The CHEO Telethon on CTV Ottawa, the For the Kids Gala, CN Cycle for CHEO and the Dream of a Lifetime Lottery are some examples of moments that celebrate the community spirit that built CHEO and will sustain it well into the future.

The CHEO Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, the President and CEO of the CHEO Foundation, the CEO of the hospital, a Chair, and representatives of the hospital staff and volunteer association.