The third annual SickKids Fired Up charity gala took place in Toronto last Friday, at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. All proceeds from this luxury black-tie event benefitted the SickKids Burn & Plastics Unit.

Following the success of this event in 2024, FAJO was thrilled to return and attend it again this year.

The gala is the brainchild of Roxy Zapala, whose 21-month-old son, Levi, had an unfortunate accident in 2018. He sustained third-degree burns to his face, chest and left arm caused by steaming water from a baby milk warmer. Zapala was so touched by the kindness, professionalism and incredible support her son and family received at SickKids Hospital, that she decided to start organizing this annual event, to help raise funds for the important work of the Burn & Plastics Unit. She started the event in the middle of the pandemic, determined to make it a success.

The gala on Friday was full of energy and glamour, but also had an important educational and awareness component. As champagne flowed, the evening started with a Red Carpet at the entrance. Guests were treated to delicious canapés and an open bar, and a series of activations set up in the space. This included photobooths, flower stations that handed out complimentary rose bouquets, live music, models on stilts, a silent and live auction that featured art by many renowned Toronto artists (including Max Jamali), a makeup booth for touch-ups, and much more. 

The sit-down dinner portion was accompanied by live music performances on stage and a fashion show, as well as several formal presentations that were truly touching. The latter featured a talk by Charis Kelly (a pediatric nurse practitioner, who has worked at the Burn & Plastics Unit for several decades), Dr. Joel Fish (Medical Director at the Unit), and a burn victim survivor from Grade 6. All these stories reminded guests about how dangerous and sudden the burns can be, and also provided advice and guidance on how to avoid those at home and keep the children safe. Guests also learned that over 400 families visit the Burn Unit every year, with 80% of patients under the age of three. 

It was an evening where courage and bravery were celebrated, while supporting an important and meaningful cause.

If you would like to donate to SickKids Foundation, you can do so on their website.

Photography by Evelyn from George Pimentel.