The 5th Annual Skate4Smiles wrapped up at the Communiskate Rink in Emerald Park and skaters brought in over $450,000 for the new provincial children’s hospital.
Mike and Carla Ellert started Skate4Smiles in memory of their eight-year-old son Dawson Ellert. He died from complications resulting from surgery to remove a brain tumor. The couple is raising money for the Family Quiet Space in the pediatric intensive care observation unit. It will be named after their son.
“It feels like we’re doing something special for Dawson, explains Mike Ellert. “Our experience in hospital showed us that kids have different needs when it comes to being in hospital. Even when they’re sick, kids still need to play and have fun. Kids need to feel safe and secure and they need their families around them. The new children’s hospital will give families the necessary space to allow them to do that.”
Construction of the new hospital began in September 2014.
