The Niagara Health Foundation is pleased to announce that the 14th annual Kids Ultimate Challenge raised a record-breaking total of $173,000 in support of Niagara Health’s Children’s Health Unit! 

More than 900 kids from across Niagara participated in this year’s event on Saturday, June 6th at a new location, Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls. Kids aged 4-12 completed a 1.3km obstacle course filled with slime, mud, jumps, crawls and challenges while raising funds to support the health care needs of children in our community. 

One of the highlights of the event was the ‘Teddy Bear Clinic’ led by the team from the Children’s Health Unit. Natalie Doucet, Director of Women and Babies & Children’s Health, stated; “The Kids Ultimate Challenge helps shape the care we provide to Niagara’s youngest patients. Through this annual event, we are able to invest in vital equipment such as a sight-saving retinal imaging system that supports the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of newborn eye conditions”. 

This year, supporters will know exactly how their contributions are making an impact. “Funds raised also helped support the purchase of 25 essential bassinets, helping ensure that nearly every baby born in Niagara has a safe and healthy start. Each year, this fun-filled day, and the generosity behind it, make a lasting difference for children and families across our region,” said Natalie Doucet. 

While participants enjoyed a day of obstacles and adventure, the Kids Ultimate Challenge also introduced young people to the importance of philanthropy.  Each participant is encouraged to collect pledges from friends and family. This year, they were not only up to the challenge, but tackled it head-on and raised an incredible $78,000, proving that making a difference in the community has no age limit. It’s about kids helping kids. Congratulations to all challengers, teams, and supporters who helped make this a record-breaking year. 

“The Kids Ultimate Challenge reflects the very best of Niagara – families, businesses, volunteers, and supporters coming together to make a difference close to home,” said Andrea Scott, President & CEO or Niagara Health Foundation. “Every dollar raised stays in our community, helping ensure local children and families receive exceptional care when they need it most, while also inspiring the next generation of donors to discover the power of giving back. A heartfelt thank you to the Niagara Health Foundation team, whose commitment to our mission continues to inspire our community and drive meaningful impact.” 

Thank you to all sponsors who supported the Kids Ultimate Challenge. Without you, this event would not have been possible. A special thank you goes to our title sponsor, Desjardins, for their continued support of the Kids Ultimate Challenge. We are also grateful to our community partners who stepped up in donating event supplies and prizing that helped create an unforgettable experience for all participants. The generosity and support from our community continues to make this event a success. 

The Kids Ultimate Challenge will return on Saturday, June 5, 2027, at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls. For more information, please visit www.KidsUltimateChallenge.com