The 2025 Toronto Sun Christmas Fund for Variety Village has concluded with a historic and heartwarming result, smashing all previous records. The campaign raised a staggering $260,376, far surpassing its ambitious goal of $260,000 and nearly doubling the previous best tally.
A Whisker Over the Line: Community Effort Seals the Deal
As the New Year's Day deadline approached, the fund was agonizingly close to its target, sitting just a couple of hundred dollars short. The final, record-breaking push came from an unexpected source: a cat named Tulip. The feline, owned by the fund's organizer, contributed $500 from the future sales of her adventure book, "Viking Cat 2 — Lost in the City," officially pushing the total to $260,376.
"Whoooa! I didn’t know cats had money," exclaimed the campaign's 12-year-old chairkid, Madison "Madi" Ambos. The young leader had initially expressed doubt about the lofty goal when it was announced in November, saying, "I dunno. That’s a big number!"
However, Tulip's contribution was merely the final piece of a massive philanthropic puzzle. The honour roll of nearly 900 donors stretched across the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and even reached Poland. Notable contributors included legendary sports voices like the 'Voice of the Maple Leafs' Joe Bowen, former Blue Jays president Paul Beeston, the Variety Village Volt cart-hockey team, Legion Branch 13, and numerous family trusts and charities.
The Heart of the Campaign: Variety Village's Impact
The Sun Christmas Fund is the cornerstone of annual fundraising for Variety Village, the iconic Scarborough sports and life skills centre designed for people with disabilities. The funds raised will directly support programs and athletes, including the Flames swim team, of which chairkid Madi is a member. Several swimmers recently earned their first para-swimming ratings, opening doors to national and world-class competitions.
"The Sun Christmas Fund is the cornerstone of our annual fundraising," said Variety CEO Charlie Johnstone. "The Village stands as a testament to what’s possible when individuals of all abilities are provided the space, equipment and coaching to enable them to connect, thrive and achieve their personal best."
The campaign highlighted numerous children and young adults who benefit from Variety Village's programs, including Stella, 9, and her brother Leo; Michaela, 5, and Michael, 8; and Volt star Bav Sandhu, 21. Their stories galvanized the community to give generously.
Gratitude and a Look Ahead
Madi Ambos, reflecting on the overwhelming success, shared her profound gratitude. "A million thank-yous," she said. "Now I realize how big our Village family really is and how anything is possible. This will help a lot of kids like me, a lot of families. I just think it’s amazing."
She also underscored the vital role the centre plays, adding, "If Variety Village ever closed down, I don’t know what we’d all do." Thanks to the unprecedented support from Sun readers and the broader community, that is a scenario she won't have to face.
The success was a collaborative effort, driven by the children and families of Variety Village, amplified by tireless work from the Village's staff on social media, and showcased by the Toronto Sun news team and Postmedia's marketing department. The final total of $260,376 stands as a powerful testament to community spirit and the shared commitment to inclusivity and support for people of all abilities.
