Nearly 200 children aged 4-12 took part in the Niagara Health Foundation’s 8th annual Kids Ultimate Challenge. The Foundation pivoted its annual in-person “tough mudder” style event from Burgoyne Woods in St. Catharines to an entirely online and virtual offering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between June 12 and June 21, challengers completed over 20 tasks, assignments and challenges. The challenges were categorized as physical, mental, creative, and kindness, and were distributed to the challengers in waves.  Once complete, many of the families proudly shared photos, videos and stories of their challenger(s) on the event’s social platforms.

Participants were provided with an official t-shirt, printable name bib, pre-event warm-up videos, nutrition tips, instructional videos, a tracking sheet and a commemorative medal for their tremendous efforts.  During the Kids Virtual Ultimate Challenge, participants were encouraged to seek donations for their efforts in support of the Children’s Health Unit of Niagara Health.  It was a great example of ‘kids helping kids’.

The nearly 200 challengers raised over $20,000 in online donations, with the top fundraising individuals raising $1,810 each (Hagen and Easton White).  Challengers were also able to join “fundraising teams” with their friends. The “Mud Ninjas” (paying tribute to the famous Mud Swing that is a fan favourite of the in-person event) raised $5,010 while the “PenFi Kids” (PenFinancial) raised an impressive $4,420.

The children’s fundraising efforts were supported by  seven (7) key corporate partners; Walker Industries, Alectra Utilities, PenFinancial Credit Union, Precise ParkLink, Ontario Power Generation, Niagara Region Police Association and DJB Chartered Professional Accounts. The event was also supported by several generous partners who donated incredible prizes toward our challenger prize draw packages.

The proceeds from the Kids Virtual Ultimate Challenge went to support the purchase of Transcutaneous Monitors for the Children’s Health Unit of Niagara Health. The monitors are used as a non-invasive tool to measure a patient’s blood gas diffusion through the skin. The monitors are especially crucial in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for newborns who require continuous monitoring of their oxygen and carbon dioxide status.

“We are so proud of the children and families that took on this year’s challenge. Our team worked tirelessly to pivot our event and create an experience that was challenging, engaging, digital and fun. It’s our plan to return to Burgoyne Woods for the event next year, but it was great to see how the community embraced the change and help support the Children’s Health Unit during the pandemic.” – Chris Green, Director of Communications, Marketing & Community Engagement, Niagara Health Foundation.

About Niagara Health Foundation

Niagara Health Foundation raises funds to support Niagara Health for the advancement of healthcare in Niagara. Supporting Niagara Health in its mission, Niagara Health Foundation raises funds for priority equipment needs, redevelopment projects and patient programs at Niagara Health’s five sites, located in Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Port Colborne, and Fort Erie.

For more information, visit www.KidsUltimateChallenge.com.