By Felicia Fefer, Walmart Canada Corporate Affairs
For 19-year-old Gregory Doucet, raising funds for Walmart Canada’s annual Spark a Miracle campaign in support of Children’s Miracle Network is personal.
The part-time greeter at Walmart’s Maple, Ontario store was a longtime patient at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, also known as SickKids, and a former Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child, presented by Walmart Canada.
Funds raised during Walmart Canada’s holiday Spark a Miracle campaign support Canadian children, families and local children’s hospitals across the country.
When Gregory was two years old, he was diagnosed with Crouzon Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes skull bones to fuse, which affects the shape of his head and face. When he was nine, he was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dissecans, which is a bone and cartilage defect in both of his knees.
Remarkably, Gregory has undergone 30 surgeries, and that doesn’t stop him from reaching his goals. Health wise, he’s feeling good and outside of school and work, he enjoys reading and watching hockey, especially his favourite team – the Montreal Canadians.
Walmart Canada’s beloved Teddy is back for the 2022 holiday season. For every Walmart Teddy purchased before Dec. 31, Walmart is giving back by donating $2* to Children’s Miracle Network to help kids treated at children’s hospitals across Canada. Walmart customers also can support their local children’s hospital by donating at the checkout or online at Walmart.ca.
During campaign season, Gregory is a top fundraiser in his store, sharing his story with associates and customers so they can learn more about his medical changes and the incredible care he received at SickKids.
“I have a firsthand perspective and I am delighted to talk to people, to them about everything awesome about SickKids,” Gregory said. “A personal connection always makes a difference.”
Working at Walmart was an “obvious choice,” says Gregory, who wanted to work part-time while he pursues a business degree, but to also continue his fundraising efforts for SickKids.
“I know Walmart does so much for Children’s Miracle Network, for SickKids, they are a top contributor,” he said. “I love being able to promote Walmart’s fundraising efforts especially during campaign season. I am determined to fundraise, I want to do it, I love to do it.”
Walmart Canada has been partnering with Children’s Miracle Network for over 28 years and has raised and donated more than $195 million to date in support of 14 children’s hospitals across Canada, making Walmart the largest corporate, private sector contributor to children’s hospital foundations in Canada.
Click here to learn more about ways to support this year’s Walmart Canada Spark a Miracle campaign.
*Up to a maximum donation of $200,000, sold between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022
