SickKids Foundation - Donor Testimonials

Please note all compliments shown are exactly as they were received for the sake of authenticity.
All personal information has been removed for security purposes.

Dec 2012

We had a visit earlier today from Steve on behalf of SickKids Foundation. What a refreshing experience to meet a fundraiser who really believes in his cause! I am very impressed by Steve's attitude and professionalism. He built a friendly relationship right from the first minute. Steve talked about the challenges faced by children and their families, without sensationalizing the issues. His honesty and candor won me over. It's tough going door-to-door, made especially dreadful by the chilling cold; but Steve didn't show it. What I saw was a warm smile and enthusiasm for SickKids Foundation. Steve I'm glad to have met you! Keep up the great work.

Regards, Imran.

Nov 2012

I recently joined the monthly giving program due to being solicited at home by Canvasser Steve. I wanted to pass along my compliments to Steve for his professionalism, courtesy and conduct. Steve’s humour and his ability to communicate the program without ‘pressuring’ me made for my decision to join the program. Steve’s conduct  and approach is by far, the best I have experienced. With the regular onslaught of home solicitations one receives from book clubs to energy companies, it tends to make me hesitant to even answer the door sometimes.

Again, my compliments to Steve.

Sincerely,

Alex

Oct 2012

Dear Sick Kids Foundation,

I have been a monthly supporter of Sick Kids for a few years now.  When I heard a knock at my door this evening I opened it dreading the pushy salesperson I would find and was instead pleased to discover two extremely warm and polite Sick Kids canvassers.  I spoke to canvasser Steve C. and was tickled to learn that he was the person who originally set up my monthly donation.

I felt it important to write to say great job Steve C. and Sick Kids Foundation.  Your approach to door to door canvassing is friendly, knowledgeable and all about the kids.  I feel proud to support this important charity.

Sincerely, Sarah

Sep 2012

I wanted to send an email and tell you John was an absolute delight last evening when he knocked on my door. One of the most difficult jobs to do is cold calls to people's home and he was wonderful and professional and really easy to speak with. He had a lady named Amy with him and she was also delightful. Trust me I do not like folks knocking on my door doing sales calls, as I work a very long day and very much enjoy my quiet time but they were both wonderful and polite and an absolute pleasure to speak with. I would hire John to work for me without any hesitation. Thank you, Judy.

Aug 2012

Hi,

This young gentleman was polite, courteous, and extremely engaging! It was a pleasure to speak with him and when he left my doorstep I found myself smiling and thinking to myself "Now that guy is one of the good guys!" He was persistent without being pushy when informing me of the current SickKids Campaign. He was respectful of my personal space (I was in the midst of running errands). He maintained eye contact throughout our conversation and his pace was excellent during his delivery! Please let him know that I wish him much success in his future endeavors…his name personifies his attitude – That being a good Christian sort of thing.

Jul 2012

I must tell you what a pleasure it was to meet Holly, who dropped in to present the benefits of supporting the SickKids Miracle Club Monthly Giving Program. She spoke so passionately, and confidently about SickKids and the work they do that if it were not for the dire economic situation we all face at the moment, I would have signed up. This young lady has a bright professional future ahead of her, make effective use of her attributes!

With Best Regards,

Andrew.

Jun 2012

Your rep, Bruce, came to my door, and was very kind and informative. He was lively and worked to connect with me and my father on a personal level, asking us questions about ourselves and also telling us everything there is to know about the program. He answered all my questions very well, and was extremely persuasive. Although we still passed on the offer, he did not heckle or push. He accepted politely and was very understanding as he left. One of the nicest canvassers I’ve met in a while!

S.Manku

May 2012

Hello, I forgot to send this commendation for the representative who came by a couple months ago regarding a contribution to your program. Yesterday, I found the bookmark she gave me with the information. I am so sorry I forgot her name. I wanted to let you know what a delight she was. She was very articulate, knowledgeable, professional and friendly. She was pleasantly persistent and came back at 8pm when I asked if she could come back…I needed to talk to my husband and I was so happy that she came back. My son was at SickKids about 10 years ago for a week and SickKids helped him to which I am forever grateful. My husband does contribute to SickKids but when your representative came by I wanted to give. So thanks to that great girl and all the best!

Sincerely, Satti

Apr 2012

My name is Aisha and I am proud to be a new member of the miracle club monthly giving program. I must admit. Michael, was a perfect gentleman today. I was supporting SickKids a little before, but he closed in on the deal on my decision to become a monthly supporter of the SickKids Miracle Club Monthly Giving Program! I'm so glad that I met him and he really took his time to explain everything to me carefully. I find that he was perfect as far as professionalism and good business ethics were concerned. For example, he was polite. He did not even ask to come inside my home, but was a perfect gentleman when I invited him inside the house, no lie. He took off his shoes, respecting the customs of our household, he made sure I understood the entire procedure before taking my void check and having me sign up officially. One more thing I appreciated is that he always steered the conversations we had right to the point of getting my membership initiated. Well done in selecting him and congratulations on your new members. I do notice the aggressive yet modest campaign of the Miracle club. Thanks again, Aisha.

Mar 2012

Just to let you know that Steve C., has just completed the process for me to become a donor to SickKids. He was very friendly and answered all questions asked. I would like to thank SickKids Foundation for sending representatives door to door. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time and it would have been a lot longer were it not for the reps. coming to my door. I look forward to continuing to donate for many years to come.

Thank you,

Katherine

Jan 2012

After a long day at SickKids Hospital (we had just arrived home minutes earlier and Eric had literally just finished throwing up in the washroom), the front door bell rang. I opened the door to see a lady with a SickKids toque and a big smile. I couldn't help but just say flat out, "funny you would be at our door now after having spent almost a 12 hour day at SickKids." (PS Alida... Thank you so much for your kind teddy bears that you came to drop off on Friday, January 13th while Eric was at home with my in-laws. He was not well enough to go to school and called me to say you came by with a very thoughtful gift for both of them (Eric & Aiden)... Thank you for being so kind and special.)

At first I was more shocked then anything and I had mentioned to Alida that we just came from the hospital because our oldest son has leukemia and is still undergoing active chemotherapy treatment and it had been a trying 2 days. First Eric had his hand banged up at school and had such bad bruising on his right hand and then a lengthy SickKids visit which included an LP (Spinal Tab) and Chemo. It was like a breath of fresh air to see that Alida was at our door and had been in the area canvassing for support for families like ours. Words just do not justify the appreciation we hold for people like her and her colleague who also came to our door to meet Eric and his younger brother Aiden. It's sometimes the simple things that come to the forefront when life's situations are too complicated to handle. It has been a long 3 year journey and at this time it almost seems unreal still... it is very difficult to accept that our son has cancer and living our lives has changed in so many ways. We have taken part in the Walmart Walk For Miracles every year since Eric was diagnosed and Eric himself takes part in the walk whether he is feeling up to it or not as he is driven to help other children who are dealing with their own challenges. Aiden is another supporter of SickKids and has aided in fund-raising events at school by having wacky hair days, wacky hat days and PJ days. We are hoping to host a lemonade stand in the summer if possible. We believe in giving back in whichever way we can.

I'm so proud of the volunteers and staff out there that support such a beautiful but full of tragedy location like SickKids. Just knowing that someone has taken the time to keep this place open and available for all children means the world. There have been a few times we have had to go to SickKids Emergency and sure as anything there are kind hearted souls who come around with a hand-sized teddy bear or the SickKids (blue) turtle and just that alone is enough to fill a parent's heart with tears, knowing a kind stranger has brought this token to our hands in a moment of great fear and sadness. We look past the tears and share in the joy with our son the kindness that someone has been compassionate enough to make a donation for him. I could go on forever explaining how our family has been touched/moved/impacted and dependent on SickKids and its existence, and staff like Alida, but I'm sure our story is a common one as I believe all who have ever walked in our shoes feel the same way. We are grateful, and although saddened with our circumstances with Eric, somehow knowing that SickKids is supported we find it in our hearts to smile and say a big THANK YOU.

Affectionately, Christina, Alistair, Eric & Aiden

Dec 2011

I just wanted to let someone know that I had a SickKids canvasser come to my door in St. Catharines today (Eric). He was one of the most pleasant "door-to-door" people that have appeared at my house in a long time. At this point in time I'm on maternity leave and not really able to commit to a monthly giving program but he was so compelling that after he left I went on the website and gave a onetime donation for now. Hopefully once I'm back on full salary I can help out more. Thanks, Lisa

Nov 2011

This evening we decided to donate $30 per month to SickKids Miracle Club Monthly Giving Program after meeting with Canvasser, Steve Charbonneau. Steve was very professional, sincere and an all around trustworthy canvasser. We are usually very unsure about allowing door to door canvassers in our home but he made us feel comfortable right from the time we opened the door. He also made our daughters feel like they were a part of our conversation, which was great especially since our 6 year old daughter suffered from Kawasaki Disease only 3 years ago and will be undergoing some tests at SickKids in the coming months. We are very proud to say that we have made a difference in a child's life by donating to a worthy cause! Steve should be recognized for his genuine sincerity and compassion. We can tell he truly enjoys reaching out to people for support in helping children who are fighting various illnesses at SickKids.

Sincerely, Amanda, Todd, Brianna and Family

Oct 2011

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I was visited by Danielle and Moriah this afternoon and we had an incredible conversation about The SickKids Miracle Club Monthly Giving Program, of which I am now a proud member, and cannot say enough good things about these young ladies. They were very well spoken and knowledgeable and above all else, they both emanated a warmth and conviction about the program that I have never seen before. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with them and they are truly an asset to your organization. I have a son who has Transverse Myelitis - he got it when he was 7 and he is now paralyzed from mid chest area down. He is confined to a wheel chair. When he first got the disease he was being treated at the Texas Children's Hospital and I know that they had consulted with Dr's at Toronto SickKids due to the rarity of his condition. He is doing well now - he continues to inspire and amaze me on a daily basis. Danielle and Moriah took the time to listen to my personal story - and they did more than just listen - they heard what I was saying and showed such an interest in my son - a genuine and caring interest that to say I was touched would be an understatement.

So now I am not only a personal supporter of this program, but I signed my company up as well. Danielle and Moriah made my day - and they do the SickKids Miracle Club Monthly Giving Program proud. Sincerely, Laura.

Sep 2011

Good Afternoon, I was visited by Dani, one of your fundraising representatives today and I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for today's visit. I too was at Sick Kids kid many years ago, but challenges with work and family led me to fall out of touch with the Sick Kid's foundation and goings-on. While I would donate here and there on an "as needed" basis, Dani's visit put me back in touch and got me on board to support the cause on a monthly commitment. She opened my eyes to the importance of being there for Sick Kids, year round, the way that they are there for the children who need them. I was absolutely touched by Dani's personal story of her time as an outpatient at Sick Kids, and it brought me back to the time when I was an outpatient there as a young girl. Knowing that I might be forsaking my daily coffee in order to provide another girl like myself with a cute stuffed turtle to comfort her through treatment, or the funding to finally eradicate leukemia, or simply providing a fresh coat of paint in the patient rooms is an absolutely humbling thought- As the saying goes, "never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can change the world. It is, indeed, the only thing that ever has". Thank you Sick Kids, and Dani, for opening my eyes once more to the little bit of good we can all do to make this world a better place.

Sincerely,

Ivory

To whom it may concern, I just wanted to let your team know that I was canvassed by a very nice girl named Tiona from the Sick Kids Foundation. She was polite, friendly, knowledgeable and well spoken. We spoke about Sick Kids and the work they do and the people they help, and she gave me information on the programs that you have. She was not pushy or rude like a canvasser I had in the past from your company, and Tiona has given me more trust and appreciation for your organization that was otherwise lost from the previous canvasser. She mentioned she had just started a little while ago, but I can see that she will probably do very well in the future with your company, and I hope that whomever is responsible for promotions, raises, or rewards in any sense, makes note of the good work that Tiona has done thus far and how good she is with people.

Sincerely,

Joanna

Aug 2011

I wanted to let you know that your canvassers were in our office today and gave a very articulate and passionate dissertation on the Sick Kids Foundation and Hospital. Although we are unavailable to contribute at this time, we will certainly keep the foundation in mind for future.

Jul 2011

Hi, I am writing to say that your representative Steve C. came by and was totally cool to talk with. He gave me a lot of information about Sick Kids and their role in the community helping children especially through the Miracle Club. I would like to say to Steve, "Keep up the good work!" Regards, Sarah

Jun 2011

To whom it may concern,

Two of your representatives set me up with monthly donations for Sick Kids Hospital. I just wanted to say that those two young men were unbelievably helpful when it came to setting me up with everything. They are also very dedicated as they followed up with me and everything. Both young men were polite and respectful. They were also passionate about the charity; you could tell that they do this not for themselves but for the kids. The names of these young men are: Tiago and Mohammad

Thank you for your time!

Manraj

May 2011

On Monday May 9th, two canvassers came to my house in Guelph to speak to me about the Sick Kids Miracle Club Monthly Program. Steve Charbonneau and Jermaine Williams. Steve was extremely helpful, very positive, very outgoing, and exceedingly kind and showed that he has a great depth of knowledge of Sick Kids and the programs they offer. There have been many occasions where conversers have tried to bully me into "buying" or donating my hard earned money, but I did not feel this pressure from Steve. He understood that I needed to take some time to go over the information and call into the 1-866 number with my questions. Don't get me wrong, he did a great job in informing me on your program. It is and will continue to be my nature to follow up on information before donating my money. Your company should be extremely proud to have him representing them and recognize the value of him as an employee. I also wanted to note that Jermaine as well showed that he was knowledge about Sick Kids. You can tell that Steve has taught him well. On Tuesday, Jermaine was canvassing the area where my parents live. I happened to be at the house when he came to the door, this time on his own. As on Monday, he was kind and helpful. You should as well be happy to have him on your team. I also wanted to pass on, that at this time I am not ready to committee to a monthly plan with the Miracle Network. I do however want to look at signing up for this program next year. In March, my son and I donated a large amount of money directly to Sick Kids Foundation as Anonymous donors and this year we decided that in addition to the money we donated to Sick Kids that we will donate monthly to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. I would like to consider signing up for the monthly plan next year. This way instead of one yearly donation to you and one to the Brain Tumor foundation I can do monthly with both programs. I feel your foundation is an extremely important one and the work you do it greatly appreciated. I would like to request that my positive compliments be forwarded to Steve and his Manager. I feel that Steve should get the recognition that he so greatly deserves.

Thank You, Jane.

Apr 2011

I was at a job yesterday when Barbara came by with her assistant to collect funds for your Foundation, and although it was in the middle of my job and I was not able to be of much help I could not help but notice Barbara's performance. She was very presentable, had an excellent attitude and was very pleasant to talk to. She is a great example of what a fundraiser should be, and I respect and envy her in her important role in making ends meet for the little ones that are a little less fortunate. Kindly take this letter into consideration for acknowledgment purposes,

Sincerely,

Gaby.

Mar 2011

I really would like to take the time to acknowledge Amin and Ashlee who came to my mother and my door on Thursday evening. Not only did they care about SickKids hospital, but the instant I told them I was traveling to Tanzania in a few months with Child Reach, they cared about what I was doing as well. They were a gift from god! Amin was able to help educate me on his home country! We decided to help SickKids due to the fact they both were human: informative, friendly and outgoing. They definitely went out of their way to over educate my mom and I on many different things about both causes. We are now SickKids advocates!! Thank you so much guys for everything!!

-Deanna B

This is the first time I have gotten a chance to sit down all evening but answering my door this cold evening was a delight to my evening. I was greeted with a big smile and heart-warming humour by a girl who was out in freezing weather for SickKids hospital, Ashlee. She was very down to earth but very informative about the miracle club program. It was very easy to have a conversation with her which was refreshing to see from a canvassing program like this; although I had to decline joining the miracle club at this present time; she understood and thanked me for my contributions to sick kids through events I partake in constantly for SickKids with a smile. I even took a quick peek out my window after she left today to see her waving at all the neighbours and jogging between houses to keep warm. She is an outstanding canvasser for sick kids and I can see the genuine sick kids staff through this harsh but amazing door to door Program.

Casandra.

Jan 2011

I received some fantastic feedback from a friend of mine who is a manager at UNICEF, and was recently solicited by one of our D2D canvassers in Pickering. I'm happy to say he joined the Miracle Club. Please see his comments below, and pass these along to Jeff!

"The canvasser ...Jeff was by far the best I've encountered. There were no issues... was actually a great 'experience'." What a great way to end the week...hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Rebekah Valenti

Assistant Manager, Direct Marketing

Dec 2010

Hi.... 1st I feel that the canvassing program is a good idea in that your able to reach people who, like myself, have many times thought about donating to the Sick Kids fund but are too busy to actually do anything about it. For me, having the canvasser come to my door has finally helped me to make the decision to make those donations which we all know is very much needed for the children and families who come to Sick Kids Hospital. I donate monthly to a few very necessary organizations and this is one that is necessary. Secondly, I also have to mention that the main reason I gave my canvasser time initially is because he was very identifiable, he had on the Sick Kids touque and Sick Kids identification and all the documentation. All of that was extremely important to me and I was very impressed by it. Obviously, Sick Kids and TNI Network Inc. really worked hard to make sure that we didn't have to second guess the canvasser. Good on you... fantastic!! I felt very assured that I was dealing with the real thing. I don't know if this is the right department to mention this since I'm talking about the canvasser, but the young guy who came to my door was very, very, polite; friendly; considerate and informative and very professional as well. I am referring to Mauricio. He did a good job for you and I felt pretty good in enrolling in the monthly program after listening to him. And finally needless to say at this point, I have enrolled in the $30.00 per month donation program and am looking forward to newsletters, etc to see how things are going.

Thank you and I wish you the best with this program.

Sylvia

Sep 2010

Hi, I wanted to comment on the SickKids Foundation canvasser who knocked on my door this evening. We've been really bothered by door to door canvassers trying to sign us up for energy contracts or sell chocolates, etc and with telemarketers relentlessly calling. When your canvasser came to my door we were in the middle of dinner and had already received two telemarketing calls since we sat down. So I was ready to give him an earful. As soon as I opened the door I said to him in a not-so-polite manner "we're in the middle of dinner". He apologized, handed me your marketing material, wished me a good evening and politely left. When I looked at the material and realized what organization he was canvassing for, I felt so bad that I had been so rude to him at the door. I just wanted to say sorry to him for my behaviour and to commend him on his reaction to it, which was quiet, polite and respectful.

Jun 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a new Milton resident and was visited last night by two of your outreach staff members - Jaideep and Rob - who sought my support on one of two planned giving options for the Sick Kids Foundation. I am writing to express how grateful I was for their professional and informative manner. I feel compelled to take time to write about my experience, in part because I did not make a commitment -- a decision that was not based in any lack of skill on Jaideep's and Rob's part or inability to "make the sale". You see, my charitable obligations are split among various causes (children, mental health, breast cancer, prostate cancer) due to various personal and family experiences. My wife and I plan our charitable giving between January and April, largely due to tax deadlines. In addition, as a new-home owner with many Year 1 house expenses, I am not in a position to make additional or ongoing charitable commitments at this time. As such, I originally did not welcome a knock on my door from any organization seeking funds. However, Jaideep and Rob had a personable quality in their approach, understood the demands on my time (I was cooking dinner and caring for our three year-old son at the time), and were friendly and succinct. As an professional expert in marketing and branding, I can say with confidence that Jaideep and Rob are excellent ambassadors for the Sick Kids Foundation and its brand. I look forward to welcoming other such ambassadors in the future, when I hope to be in a better position to contribute to a wholly worthy cause. In an age when such door-to-door marketing is met increasingly with insisting rudeness and impatience, Jaideep and Rob have provided a refreshing experience.

They are assets to your organization, and I hope you treat them as such.

Rodel

I wanted to drop you a line and mention that my wife and I were visited last Sunday by your representatives Ashlee and Natasha who were soliciting for contributors to your causes. Both young women were very professional and courteous and we signed up for a year. As far as I am concerned, going door-to-door and asking householders to do things that aren't in their immediate plans is a very hard job. And its success is all about the attitude of the people doing the asking. I cannot tell you how many times I have declined to buy, donate, or whatever, in a cold visit from a stranger. It wasn't about the cause necessarily; it was more about the people doing the asking. Many seemed to be doing it out of necessity rather than because they believed in what they were doing. I predict, if it is not already documented, that Ashlee and Natasha will be very successful in raising funds for the SickKids Foundation. Best of luck to them and our very best wishes to you.

Yours truly,

David.

Jan 2009

To Whom It May Concern, I would like to send an email to acknowledge the work of one of your employees. I usually don't do this sort of thing, or even bother complying with door to door sales but this was a case that really hit home. A young ambitious gentleman approached my home with a smile asking how my day was and how I was feeling. With his honest attempt to become personable rather than being a nagging salesman is what kept our conversation going rather than me slamming the door shut and being left alone. His professional etiquette and attire made me actually get beyond my personal hurdles and take the time to listen to him. He took the time out of his day to ask how mine was, I owe him that much. He introduced himself as Steven and he represented the Sick Kids Foundation which allured me. I have a soft spot for that foundation because my 6 year old was there due to lung complications and when it seemed like there was no one left in the world to help besides my faith; Sick Kids assured me there were options. As Steven told me about the Miracle Club program, a small monthly donation based program that helps Sick Kids to run and continue to save lives day to day. Steven's ability to have compassion for this program rather than just making a sale is what helped me make the decision to join this program. At first I was hesitant but Steven was able to relate to my case about my son and understood how I felt. He assured me that it is okay if I didn't decide to join and that many people felt the same way about the program and its benefits. As I told Steven about my son I couldn't help but get emotional, it's my son. His empathy and pat on the back brought me back to my feet; I will never forget what he told me as he stood at my door step. He related his own personal situation to that of my own and told me "Every dark cloud has its silver lining, and days are only meant to get better. You will get through this. Trust me". I had no reason to trust him, but something about his character made me believe he was right. I joined your program that very second and I don't regret a thing. Its people like that who set out for the cause of the greater good, rather than the cause of a sale. Thank you Steven Bui, everything is going to be okay and you deserve your recognition. I applaud you. I wanted to remain as anonymous as possible, but I left my initials in case Steven comes across this letter he can see the impact he's made.

Sincerely,

J.C

To whom it may concern;I just wanted to advise you of how impressed and thankful I am after a recent visit from three of your representatives. Last night (January 8, 2009), Alexander, John and a trainee, attended my residence canvassing for support for the Sick Kids Foundation. Alexander and John conducted themselves very professionally and sincerely, advising me of their goals for being in the neighbourhood without the usual pressure and mistrust associated with door-to-door canvassers. I felt comfortable and interested to speak with Alaxander and John, who had their employee identifications clearly visible, and they even offered a confirmation phone number if I wished to further confirm their status. I advised your representatives that I am already an avid supporter of Sick Kids and not in a position at this time to commit to any more donations, and to my shock, my response was accepted without any pressure. In fact, a onetime cash donation was offered but refused with an explanation as to why they could not accept any cash. Honestly, I usually do not even open the door and speak with door-to-door reps, especially during my family time; however, yesterday was definitely a positive experience. I wanted to commend your organization for work that you are doing, as well as for the people, your front line representation which you employ, that is out canvassing. Your representatives are clearly motivated, professional, enthusiastic individuals who no doubt will excel in your organization. It was a pleasure meeting them, my family feels the same. Hats off to you.

Sincerely,

Antonio

Nov 2008

John, a new donor, contacted the Feedback line to compliment Rob on his congenial approach and his great explanation of SickKids Foundation. John went on to say that in 1970 his son was a patient of SickKids Hospital and thanks to SickKids he is now 38 years old and alive because of the care he received at SickKids Hospital. He was happy to sign up for monthly donations to SickKids Foundation and very impressed by Rob.

Mar 2008

Resident Email:

Hello...just wanted to pass along a compliment to the above mentioned canvasser. Tim was very pleasant, polite and persuasive (in a positive way)! He was passionate as well as knowledgeable about the cause, and he did a fantastic job in keeping me interested without being pushy. Just wanted to pass along my thoughts!

Thanks!

Sincerely, Jodi