It takes a city to change the world.
On May 31, Toronto demonstrated just that when the inaugural We Walk UHNITED presented by Rogers took to the city’s streets – and topped all expectations. An incredible turnout of more than 4,000 people came together to support University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s #1 hospital, raising an incredible $1.3 million for world-class health care and medical innovation.
A crowd UHNITED
From the opening moments, the energy was palpable. Mayor Olivia Chow delivered a heartfelt welcome that inspired the crowd before leading the way at the walk’s start. The vibrant atmosphere came alive with colourful signage, bright-yellow shirts, jubilant crowd interactions and the always-smiling We Walk UHNITED mascot. This created an inspiring sea of unity that brought together TeamUHN members, patients, families, and supporters.
Event ambassadors Sangita Patel and Madison Tevlin delivered personal meaning to the occasion, sharing their experience as UHN patients that energized the crowd before the walk began.
Heartfelt stories
One of the event’s most emotional highlights came when UHN patient Ashley Comrie shared her powerful story through video before taking the stage with her husband Kirk and son Clayton. The moment became even more moving when Dr. Margaret Herridge and Senior Critical Care Nurse Wendy Radovanovic – part of the team Ashley credits with saving her life – made a surprise appearance on stage, creating a deeply touching moment that resonated throughout the crowd.
Star-studded support
Following the walk, participants were treated to an unforgettable celebration of Canadiana when TV personality Rick Mercer introduced a live performance by rock icon Tom Cochrane, whose chart-topping hits like “Life is a Highway” and “Big League” had the cheering crowd use their walking shoes for dancing steps.
Other notable Canadian participants included JUNO Award-winning Aysanabee, hip-hop legend Kardinal Offishall, two-time Olympian Sam Schachter and actors Mayko Nguyen and K.C. Collins.
Throughout the day’s festivities, radio personalities from KiSS 92.5 kept energy levels high, with Maria Papadakis and Shem Parkinson as event emcees and Maurie Sherman (Damnit Maurie) interacting with the crowd as they enjoyed live music, family-friendly games, and delicious treats.
Community sponsors
As presenting sponsor, Rogers demonstrated remarkable community commitment with an enthusiastic team of 100 employees, family and friends who walked and raised funds for UHN. Their dedicated participation, alongside support from other valued sponsors, exemplified the collaborative spirit that made the inaugural event a resounding success.
The day was also made possible through countless volunteers, staff, patients and community members who donated and participated, showing the true power of collective action.
Excellence in health care
“The support we’ve seen through We Walk UHNITED’s inaugural year speaks volumes about the incredible strength and spirit of our UHN community,” said Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. “We are grateful to all of our participants, donors, volunteers and sponsors. Their generosity not only fuels medical innovation, it also ensures that when we or our loved ones are sick, we have access to the very best experts in the world, right here at Canada’s #1 hospital.”
Funds raised through We Walk UHNITED will support pioneering health care and advance research, innovation and patient care across UHN’s many sites, ensuring continued excellence in medical treatment and breakthrough discoveries.
The opportunity to change lives doesn’t end here. Fundraising continues until June 30 at wewalkUHNITED.ca, where every donation supports the life-saving work happening daily at UHN.
