We’re proud to share that the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has officially surpassed $10 million in grants to hospitals across Canada. The milestone was reached in Orillia, where longtime supporter and TSN curling legend Vic Rauter helped present a $55,000 grant to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital to fund a new incubator for babies born premature or critically ill.

Click the video above to hear Vic speak about what it meant to help mark this moment. His heartfelt words reflect the power of our curling community and everyone who believes that every baby deserves the chance to thrive.

Since 2001, your generosity has helped us support 118 hospitals and an estimated 90,000 babies. Reaching $10 million is a meaningful way to begin our 25th birthday year, and we are grateful for every person who’s been part of this journey.

Over the next year, we’ll be sharing 25 stories — one for every year of impact — that capture the heart of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. These stories will lift up founding members, families whose babies were helped by equipment you funded, volunteers, curlers, and donors who continue to give their time and heart to the cause.

The first two stories in the series are now live:

• How It Started: A look back to the first days of the Foundation, when Sandra’s legacy turned into a mission that’s now helped an estimated 90,000 babies across Canada.
• Champions Start Small in Chatham: A story of one former preemie who grew up to become a curler, volunteer, and proud supporter — and how a new piece of equipment funded this summer was already in use when he and his wife came to see it. A powerful reminder of just how urgent and needed donor support is.

We're excited to share all 25 stories with you, every one a reminder of how far we’ve come — and how many more families we can reach together.

November is Make a Will Month — a perfect reminder to think about the impact we make today, and the legacy we leave for tomorrow. Whether you’re giving today or planning for tomorrow, understanding how to make the most of your support can help you make a bigger difference.

To help with that, we’ve partnered with longtime Sandra Schmirler Foundation Advisor and CPA Todd Troyer to present a special on-demand webinar: The Power of Planned Giving: Making the Most of Your Charitable Gifts. In this 18-minute session, Todd shares meaningful and practical ways to align your giving with your values — whether that’s supporting a cause today or making it part of your long-term plans.

Sign up and get instant access to the free webinar, along with a complimentary resource to help guide your charitable giving journey.

The Curling Cares Fundraising Calendar is now available — featuring some of curling’s brightest stars and most memorable moments. This year, all net proceeds will support the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, helping us fund life-saving equipment for babies born too soon, too small, too sick, or too far from the care they need.

You can order your copy online today on our website — they make excellent stocking stuffers and thoughtful gifts for the curling fans in your life. As the season unfolds, follow us on social media to find out where you can pick one up in person at select curling events across Canada. Thank you for helping Champions Start Small.

Your support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation ensures we can continue to help Champions Start Small

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