A good time, good sport
The fourth annual Right to Play Tribute Dinner
Over 1000 movers and shakers came together to celebrate the power of play at the fourth annual Right to Play Tribute Dinner. The well- known charity raises money to help transform the lives of children by empowering youth around the world through sport. The Honourable Chantal Petitclerc, Canadian Senator, decorated Paralympian and Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, along with David McKay, President and Chief Executive Officer of RBC, took the top honours.
“Right To Play uses the power of play to empower youth to have the skills and opportunities to positively impact their own lives and the lives of others,” enthused Lori Smith, National Director of Right To Play Canada. With the help of title sponsor RBC, a record- breaking $2.8 million was raised for programs around the world and right here in Canada. Vanessa Mulroney welcomed an intimate group of women into her
beautiful home to meet Princess Salimah Aga Khan and hear about her work with SOS Children’s Villages. The international children’s charity offers safe and nurturing family homes to over 75,000 orphaned and abandoned children in 134 countries around the world. They raise orphaned and abandoned children and provide them with all the things a normal family would.
The princess told me that it all began in French Polynesia in 1995, when she heard about the construction of SOS Children’s Village in Tahiti. Her first contact with SOS Children’s Villages was followed by countless visits and events at which the Princess demonstrated her commitment to spreading awareness. To sponsor a child this holiday season, visit soschildrensvillages.ca It was over to the Liberty Grand for an action- packed celebration for Canada’s Walk of Fame. Inductees were honoured in five different categories, and included Donovan Bailey, Viola Desmond, Anna Paquin, Ted Rogers, David Suzuki and Stompin’ Tom Connors. The Allan Slaight Honour Recipient went to singer Shawn Hook.
“The evening was so full of extraordinary moments that filled us all with emotion and Canadian pride.” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “With great musical performances, powerful tributes and, of course, great food and drink, I was so proud to be the catalyst this year for so many stories of Canadian achievement.” National sponsors included Cineplex, NBC Universal, Slaight Communications and Air Canada.