CHEO Telethon June 4-5 2011 - Please Watch. Call. Donate. 

Click here to read Ellie's story

Click here to read baby Joey's story

Our Foundation

The CHEO Foundation’s History

The sole purpose of the CHEO Foundation is to raise funds to help support the work of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Donations help the hospital provide a wide variety of pediatric programs, research, state-of the art equipment, medical and nursing education, and assistance for families in crisis.

In the early 1960s, a group of concerned citizens in Ottawa formed a committee with the purpose of establishing a children’s hospital in the community. It was no easy task to convince governments and ministries to help fund a children’s hospital in Ottawa, but the committee persevered with the enthusiastic support of the community. This committee formed the base for the present CHEO Foundation, which was incorporated in 1974.

By the time CHEO opened its doors in 1974, the volunteer fundraisers had overcome numerous obstacles, and more than $4 million had been donated by the local community – a truly significant amount especially for that time.

Each year, the Foundation holds the CTV Telethon for CHEO, which is part of the North-America wide Children's Miracle Network. All funds raised locally benefit CHEO. Other events and lotteries such as CN Cycle, the Dream of a Lifetime Lottery and the Ottawa Hospital and CHEO Lottery, bring important support to CHEO. Community organizers support CHEO through more than 150 events each year, ranging from corporate and private dances, barbecues, and sports tournaments. Significant funds are also raised through annual giving and bequests.

Frederick M. Bartlett is the current President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation. Mr. Bartlett was the former Vice President of Telesat Canada and served as Chair of the United Way Campaign in 1993. The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, the President and CEO of the Foundation, the CEO of the Hospital, a Chair, and representatives of the hospital staff and volunteer association.

Make a financial contribution to CHEO

Visit the CHEO Foundation to make a donation on-line or for information on how to make a financial donation.

Organize a special event and raise funds for CHEO

CHEO is very fortunate to have the support of a loving and caring community. The money you raise will help fund research, buy equipment, train staff, and add to the pediatric nature of the hospital.  The CHEO foundation is pleased to provide you with a copy of our Guidelines and Helpful Tips for organizing a successful fundraiser.