The Sandra Schmirler Foundation marks its 25th birthday on January 25 during the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga. A live telethon on TSN will feature curling legends answering calls to raise funds for neonatal equipment. The foundation has donated over $10 million to hospitals since 2001.
The Sandra Schmirler Foundation, established in 2001 following the death of champion curler Sandra Schmirler, is commemorating 25 years of supporting neonatal care across Canada. Schmirler, a mother of two, won three Canadian and world women's championships and led Canada to gold at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano. She passed away in 2000 at age 36, with her funeral broadcast live nationwide before the men's Brier.
The foundation's mission is to equip neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring babies born too soon, too small, too sick, or too far from home receive care close to their families. Executive Director Darren McEwen reports that it has donated more than $10 million to hospitals, aiding approximately 90,000 babies and families, including nearly $3 million to communities hosting Curling Canada events.
On January 25, during the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga, the foundation will host its annual telethon, airing live on TSN throughout the draws. All competing teams have signed up to take calls, alongside Schmirler's former teammates Jan Betker, Joan McCusker, Marcia Gudereit, and Atina Ford Johnston, as well as coach Anita Ford and national coach Lindsay Sparkes. Schmirler's daughters, Sara Miller and Jenna England, serve as ambassadors and will participate, joined by figures like Jennifer Jones, Sherry Middaugh, Cori Morris, and Cassandra de Groot.
Longtime supporter Marilyn Bodogh, a two-time Scotties champion in 1986 and 1996, recalled a memorable $20,000 donation: “One time I had a caller come in for $20,000... I stood up and I screamed. I said, ‘$20,000, oh my God!’ The caller was a lawyer representing a woman who just thought women’s curling was the best.” This year, the goal is $1.25 million for lifesaving equipment.
At the event, TSN staff will present a $70,000 grant to Trillium Health Partners Foundation for Credit Valley Hospital. McEwen praised TSN's role since the telethon's inception: “TSN has broadcast this since Day One... Their support has been monumental.” He also thanked Curling Canada for enabling the tradition at every Scotties. Bodogh added, “It’s become a tradition... I’m so proud to be there.”
Donations can be made by calling 1-866-210-6011 or online at www.sandraschmirler.org.
