The CKNW Kids' Fund relies on the generosity of our donors and sponsors throughout the year, with the bulk of the funding that we distribute back into the community being raised every winter on our annual Pledge Day. Staff and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds gather together in the spirit of the holidays for an all-day pledge-a-thon, welcoming both donors and recipients to share their stories for a live broadcast on 980 CKNW.
We couldn’t be more grateful to all the donors, sponsors, production team, volunteers, hosts, and of course, the amazing families who help make this special day such a success.
“Each year, this day of broadcasting is a great reflection of the true spirit of giving in our community and is a big highlight for the CKNW staff. The generosity of our listeners, sponsors and partners is truly amazing.” - Larry Gifford, Program Director, Global News Radio 980 CKNW
“It is a privilege for me to be involved with an organization with such heart. For over 70 years, [CKNW Kids' Fund] has had the opportunity to brighten children’s lives in BC and we are thrilled about the support that British Columbians provided on Pledge Day. The donations give us the ability to assist some of our most vulnerable children.” – The Honourable Wally Oppal, Q.C., Chairman, CKNW Kids' Fund Board of Directors
Thanks to our incredibly generous donors, we reached a new fundraising record during our 46th annual event, raising $3,308,375 during the 14-hour broadcast on Tuesday, November 28!
On the last Wednesday in February each year, CKNW Kids' Fund presents Pink Shirt Day: a day to encourage everyone to put an end to bullying by spreading kindness, both online and off.
Inspired by the story of two Nova Scotia students, who decided to take action after witnessing a younger student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school, we offer an official Pink Shirt Day t-shirt for purchase, with 100% of net proceeds funding anti-bullying programs in BC.
Every year, an “Army of Pink” takes over schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods across the province. Thanks to supporters like you, we’ve raised close $2.8 million through Pink Shirt Day merchandise sales and donations. The programs we fund support children’s healthy self-esteem by teaching empathy, compassion, and kindness.
Pink Shirt Day 2025
Let kindness grow this Pink Shirt Day!
Our 2025 Pink Shirt Day design is all about cultivating a community of kindness. Just like tending to a garden, together we can each help nurture a sense of belonging where we live, work, and go to school. It all starts with small gestures— a kind word, an offer of support or understanding. If we plant enough, pretty soon, more will be sprouting up all around us! By sprinkling these seeds of empathy and compassion, we can work towards a world without bullying and "Let Kindness Grow" through all of our community gardens.
Sponsors
Originally a special day out to Bowen Island for a small group of kids in 1956, the picnic event has transformed into one of our most beloved events of the year. For half a century, CKNW Kids' Fund has been able to support over 93,000 elementary and high school aged children with various challenges, including learning difficulties, physical, and/or mental challenges, to experience a fun, worry-free day out that they may not otherwise enjoy.
Now held at Playland in Vancouver, with the help of donors and sponsors we are able to invite over 3,500 children once a year to enjoy the entire park that is reserved just for them.
Sponsors
TAKE A SWING GOLF TOURNAMENT
The CKNW Kids’ Fund Take-a-Swing Golf Tournament takes place at the prestigious Vancouver Golf Club.
Get your foursome together to not only enjoy an incredible day of golf, but also to support BC kids with special needs and their families. All funds raised at the tournament help fund equipment, therapies, and programs that are crucial to the development and lives of kids with physical, mental and social challenges in our community. It is going to be a fantastic day on the course and we really hope you can join us!
The 2019 “Take a Swing” Golf Tournament was featured in Fred Lee’s Social Network column in The Province, which you can read here.
Sponsors
