Right To Play is a global organization that aims to teach children in need with educational games. The non-profit was founded in 2000 by Olympic gold medalist Johann Olav Koss and has programs in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Right To Play volunteers and staff bring the power of play to children whose futures are limited by violence, child labor, early marriage, illiteracy and inequality; children who, in short, fight to attend and stay in school, to be treated with dignity and respect and to be safe.
As a large humanitarian organization, Right To Play programs are facilitated by more than 14,900 local volunteer coaches and more than 620 international staff.
Like with any non-profit, the organization continues to operate successfully thanks in part to donations received by loyal supporters and through fundraising events like its annual Heroes Gala, hosted by Right To Play Canada and also one of Toronto’s most anticipated fundraising events.
The most recent Right To Play’s Heroes Gala was held in Toronto in October 2018 and raised a new record sum of $2.825 million. The Gala recognized two exceptional Canadians and long-time supporters of Right To Play: Olympic Gold Medalist and Right To Play Ambassador Caroline Ouellette and the President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank, Louis Vachon.
For Sean St. John, EVP and Co-Head of Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities Group at National Bank and who served as co-chair for The Heroes Gala 2018 edition, the Heroes Gala was an exciting opportunity to channel his passion for giving back.
For years, Sean St. John has been donating his time and energy to the community, remaining highly active in both Toronto-based and national non-profit organizations. But, he says, Right To Play’s Heroes Gala is a particularly rewarding event to take part in.
St. John explains, “Our team at National Bank are genuinely moved by the organization’s mission to empower children and we are extremely proud to support Right To Play to help raise funds in their mission to protect, empower and educate children through the power of play.”
For the second year in a row, The Heroes Gala paid tribute to the outstanding accomplishments of children who participate in Right To Play programs around the world, including one child from Rwanda and one from Whitefish River First Nation.
The Heroes Gala was attended by more than 1,100 guests and featured the presence of many high profile leaders and athletes as guests were treated to special performances by Cirque du Soleil and Sean Jones.
Sean St. John and other supporters of Right To Play’s fundraising event are looking ahead to another successful Gala in 2019.
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