2024 has been a transformative year for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC), marking unprecedented milestones that have reshaped the landscape of Para sport across the nation. From record-breaking fundraising campaigns to initiatives that have empowered athletes and communities, the PFC has solidified its position as a driving force behind creating opportunities for Canadians with a disability to experience the transformative power of sport. Guided by its mission to IGNITE potential, foster inclusivity, and champion the Paralympic Movement, the Foundation has not only inspired athletes to reach new heights but also mobilized Canadians from coast to coast to invest in a brighter, more equitable future. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and the unwavering support of donors and advocates, 2024 has been PFC’s most impactful year to date. This year’s accomplishments have gone beyond just numbers, Canadians have rallied together to support this movement, showcasing their belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, shape a more inclusive society for all and IGNITE dreams. IGNITE Campaign: The Largest Para Sport Fundraising Initiative in Canada The Paralympic Foundation of Canada has launched the IGNITE Campaign, the most ambitious Para sport fundraising initiative ever undertaken in Canada. With a goal of raising $35 million, this initiative aims to provide sustainable support for Para sport programs nationwide. “The IGNITE Campaign is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Canadians to foster an inclusive and accessible sports environment,”Karen O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee said. “It reflects our shared commitment to empowering athletes and ensuring that every Canadian with a disability has the opportunity to thrive through sport.” Paralympic Performance Recognition Program The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games showcased the extraordinary talent and determination of the Canadian Paralympic Team, and their outstanding performances were recognized through the Paralympic Performance Recognition program for the first time. This program rewards Canadian Paralympians who win medals at the Paralympic Games with $20,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for a silver medal, and $10,000 for bronze; equivalent amounts to what Olympic athletes receive for the same achievements. Over $500,000 was rewarded to Canadian Paralympic medallists in Paris. The Paralympic Performance Recognition Program is funded by PFC and will be in place for every Paralympic Games moving forward. The program was created with initial contributions of more than $6 million to an endowment fund made possible through generous donations from the Malaviya Foundation and the Government of Canada, as well as private donors. The contributions from these donors have made it possible to reward athletes, acknowledging their hard work, resilience, and dedication in representing Canada. IGNITE The Light: A Beacon of Support At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the IGNITE The Light virtual seats fundraising campaign offered Canadians a unique way to support the 126 athletes representing the nation. By purchasing virtual seats, supporters lit up a virtual stadium, raising over $375,000 during the Games. This initiative not only fueled Team Canada’s performance but also shone a light on the importance of community backing for Para sport. ParaTough Cup: A Record-Breaking Season So Far The ParaTough Cup series, held annually in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, brings corporate teams together to compete in Paralympic sports such as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and Para ice hockey. Supported by key Canadian Paralympic Committee partners, these events have collectively raised over $2 million for Para sport development in Canada. The 2024/25 season kicked off this fall with events in Vancouver and Montreal. Notably, the 2024 Montreal stop, presented by Pfizer Canada, made history by raising a record-breaking $211,000—the highest single-event total in the series’ history. This achievement underscores the power of community and corporate support in advancing the Paralympic Movement. Championing the Circle of Champions 2024 also marked a milestone year for the Circle of Champions, the dedicated Canadians who generously support the Paralympic Foundation of Canada with lifetime giving of over $1000. Through their contributions, they help to INGITE a bright future for Para sport in Canada, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with a disability to participate and thrive in sport. This ongoing program continues to empower change, fostering a stronger and more inclusive Paralympic Movement. Want to be part of this movement that’s IGNITING change? Join the Circle of Champions today and support the next generation of greatness. A Look Ahead With its most impactful year yet, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada continues to drive the Paralympic Movement forward, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come. As 2024 comes to a close, the Foundation celebrates the milestones achieved and looks ahead with renewed passion for creating a Canada where everyone, regardless of ability, can realize their athletic dreams. “As we reflect on this year, it’s clear that the generosity of Canadians is paving the way for a brighter future,” Dean Brokop, Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada said. “Whether through the ParaTough Cup, the IGNITE initiatives, or the Circle of Champions program, our supporters have demonstrated a profound belief in the power of sport to transform lives.” Join Us in IGNITING the Future of Canadian Para Sport If you want to help IGNITE the future of Canadian Para sport, consider making a donation today. Your support will have a lasting impact on the next generation of Para athletes. And don’t forget, by donating before the end of the year, you can take advantage of tax benefits for 2024. Visit the Paralympic Foundation of Canada today to contribute and be part of building a brighter, more inclusive future for Canadian Para sport. Together, let’s work to IGNITE the future for Para sport in Canada.

IGNITING Change Thanks to a Landmark Year for the PFC

2024 has been a transformative year for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC), marking unprecedented milestones that have reshaped the landscape of Para sport across the nation. From record-breaking fundraising campaigns to initiatives that have empowered athletes and communities, the PFC has solidified its position as a driving force behind creating opportunities for Canadians with […]

2024 has been a transformative year for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC), marking unprecedented milestones that have reshaped the landscape of Para sport across the nation. From record-breaking fundraising campaigns to initiatives that have empowered athletes and communities, the PFC has solidified its position as a driving force behind creating opportunities for Canadians with a disability to experience the transformative power of sport.

Guided by its mission to IGNITE potential, foster inclusivity, and champion the Paralympic Movement, the Foundation has not only inspired athletes to reach new heights but also mobilized Canadians from coast to coast to invest in a brighter, more equitable future. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and the unwavering support of donors and advocates, 2024 has been PFC’s most impactful year to date.

This year’s accomplishments have gone beyond just numbers, Canadians have rallied together to support this movement, showcasing their belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, shape a more inclusive society for all and IGNITE dreams.

IGNITE Campaign: The Largest Para Sport Fundraising Initiative in Canada

The Paralympic Foundation of Canada has launched the IGNITE Campaign, the most ambitious Para sport fundraising initiative ever undertaken in Canada. With a goal of raising $35 million, this initiative aims to provide sustainable support for Para sport programs nationwide.

“The IGNITE Campaign is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Canadians to foster an inclusive and accessible sports environment,”Karen O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee said. “It reflects our shared commitment to empowering athletes and ensuring that every Canadian with a disability has the opportunity to thrive through sport.”

Paralympic Performance Recognition Program

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games showcased the extraordinary talent and determination of the Canadian Paralympic Team, and their outstanding performances were recognized through the Paralympic Performance Recognition program for the first time. This program rewards Canadian Paralympians who win medals at the Paralympic Games with $20,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for a silver medal, and $10,000 for bronze; equivalent amounts to what Olympic athletes receive for the same achievements. Over $500,000 was rewarded to Canadian Paralympic medallists in Paris.

The Paralympic Performance Recognition Program is funded by PFC and will be in place for every Paralympic Games moving forward. The program was created with initial contributions of more than $6 million to an endowment fund made possible through generous donations from the Malaviya Foundation and the Government of Canada, as well as private donors. The contributions from these donors have made it possible to reward athletes, acknowledging their hard work, resilience, and dedication in representing Canada.

IGNITE The Light: A Beacon of Support

At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the IGNITE The Light virtual seats fundraising campaign offered Canadians a unique way to support the 126 athletes representing the nation. By purchasing virtual seats, supporters lit up a virtual stadium, raising over $375,000 during the Games. This initiative not only fueled Team Canada’s performance but also shone a light on the importance of community backing for Para sport.

ParaTough Cup: A Record-Breaking Season So Far

The ParaTough Cup series, held annually in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, brings corporate teams together to compete in Paralympic sports such as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and Para ice hockey. Supported by key Canadian Paralympic Committee partners, these events have collectively raised over $2 million for Para sport development in Canada.

The 2024/25 season kicked off this fall with events in Vancouver and Montreal. Notably, the 2024 Montreal stop, presented by Pfizer Canada, made history by raising a record-breaking $211,000—the highest single-event total in the series’ history. This achievement underscores the power of community and corporate support in advancing the Paralympic Movement.

Championing the Circle of Champions

2024 also marked a milestone year for the Circle of Champions, the dedicated Canadians who generously support the Paralympic Foundation of Canada with lifetime giving of over $1000. Through their contributions, they help to INGITE a bright future for Para sport in Canada, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with a disability to participate and thrive in sport. This ongoing program continues to empower change, fostering a stronger and more inclusive Paralympic Movement.

Want to be part of this movement that’s IGNITING change? Join the Circle of Champions today and support the next generation of greatness.

A Look Ahead

With its most impactful year yet, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada continues to drive the Paralympic Movement forward, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come. As 2024 comes to a close, the Foundation celebrates the milestones achieved and looks ahead with renewed passion for creating a Canada where everyone, regardless of ability, can realize their athletic dreams.

“As we reflect on this year, it’s clear that the generosity of Canadians is paving the way for a brighter future,” Dean Brokop, Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada said. “Whether through the ParaTough Cup, the IGNITE initiatives, or the Circle of Champions program, our supporters have demonstrated a profound belief in the power of sport to transform lives.”

Join Us in IGNITING the Future of Canadian Para Sport

If you want to help IGNITE the future of Canadian Para sport, consider making a donation today. Your support will have a lasting impact on the next generation of Para athletes. And don’t forget, by donating before the end of the year, you can take advantage of tax benefits for 2024. Visit the Paralympic Foundation of Canada today to contribute and be part of building a brighter, more inclusive future for Canadian Para sport. Together, let’s work to IGNITE the future for Para sport in Canada.