Champions start small

Sandra Schmirler Foundation donates $31,050 to Royal Columbian Hospital’s Maternity Program

New Westminster, B.C. - Sandra Schmirler Foundation Advisory Board Member and two-time Canadian Women's Curling Champion Robin Wilson presents Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) Foundation Major Gifts Officer Lisa Rosales and RCH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Manager Queenie Lai with a cheque for $31,050 for a much needed fetal monitor. This monitor will be used by RCH’s Maternity Program to carefully monitor a premature baby's heartbeat while in the uterus, including during labour.

Some facts about RCH NICU:

• cares for over 800 babies every year
• for the fourth consecutive year, RCH’s NICU has been recognized by the Canadian Neonatal Network as having the best overall survival rates in Canada
• babies can be pre-term and as young as 23 weeks gestation to full term babies requiring systemic support
• with both a neonatal intensive care unit and high-risk maternity unit, RCH needs specialized equipment that will be used to produce healthy outcomes for moms and babies at risk

Over $26,000 raised at 12th Annual CTV Sandra Schmirler Golf Classic

The 12th Annual CTV Sandra Schmirler Charity Golf Classic was another successful event. The charity event was held at the Wascana Golf and Country Club in Regina, and raised over $26,000.

Sandra's husband Shannon England and her former teammates Jan Betker, Joan McCusker and Marcia Gudereit were all at the event to help raise money for the charities.

The net proceeds from this tournament go to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation to help fund neonatal intensive care units across the country.

Bill Tschirhart, True North Coaching, donates $5,000 to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

Bill Tschirhart, True North Coaching, presents a cheque for $5000 to Jodi Meli, chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. The cheque represents the proceeds from the sales of his coaching manual, "A look through... A Pane in the Glass: a Coach's Companion".

John Deere Foundation of Canada donates $10,000 to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

John Deere President Mike Blonski presents cheque to Francine Poisson of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation at the Brier in London.

Sandra Schmirler Charity Golf Tournament - Okanagan

Kelowna, BC - The inaugural Sandra Schmirler Charity Golf Tournament - Okanagan, presented by Canadian Direct Insurance, will take place August 19 - 21 at the Shadow Ridge Golf Course and Kelowna Springs Golf Course.

The local organizing committee created this two-day tournament to raise funds for the Kelowna General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has promised to match funds raised to a maximum of $20,000.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created as a legacy to three-time world curling champion and Olympic gold medalist Sandra Schmirler. The Foundation raises and donates funds for the care of premature and critically ill babies.

"We are striving to make a difference in the lives of babies with special needs in our community. Through our support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, we will help babies in the neonatal unit at the Kelowna General Hospital overcome the many challenges that they face," said Committee Chair Norm Allen.

"We are very pleased that the Host Committee has created this fundraising golf tournament," said Jody Meli, Chair of the Foundation. "It's been just ten years since the Foundation was created and we have already donated over $1.5 million to neonatal units in hospitals right across Canada."

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation believes that all "Champions Start Small" and that while all babies don’t grow up to be champions like Sandra, all babies deserve the chance to grow up.

The entry fee for the Sandra Schmirler Charity Golf Tournament - Okanagan is $250 which includes two rounds of golf with cart. Entries can be mailed to: SSFGT, 972 Ryder Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7T5 or you can register on line.

For more information contact:

Norm Allen: norm.allen@shaw.ca 250-869-7184
Donna Stuike: dgstuike@shaw.ca 250-862-7990

John Deere Foundation of Canada donates $10,000 to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

John Deere President Mike Blonski presents cheque to Francine Poisson of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation at the Brier in London.

2010 Olympic Silver Medalist Cheryl Bernard joins board of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation

London, Ontario - 2010 Olympic silver medalist, Cheryl Bernard, was elected to the Board of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. Cheryl is a four-time Alberta women's champion, Canadian runner-up, TSN Skins finalist and has maintained a top 5 status on the World Curling Tour for the past 8 years.

"We are thrilled that Cheryl has joined our volunteer Board and look forward to her leadership as we fulfill our mission by caring for babies in crisis through direct giving to neonatal care across Canada", said Jody Meli, Chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

"Cheryl is one of the most admired curlers in the world," said Meli. "Not just for her prowess on the ice but for her commitment to community and to giving back and dedicating herself to causes that she has a personal connection to."

"I am honoured to have had my name put forward as a Director of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation", said Bernard. "Sandra was a true champion, not just on the ice but in everything that she aspired to be. The Olympics became a dream of mine because of watching Sandra and her team in 1988 in Nagano."

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created in 2001 as a legacy to Sandra Schmirler who passed away at the age of 36, shortly after the birth of her second daughter.

The Foundation was established in honour of Sandra's lasting legacy as a mother and the skip of Canada's first Olympic gold medal curling team. The Foundation raises and donates funds to hospitals across Canada for the care of premature and critically ill babies with the belief that all "champions start small."

In the ten years since the Foundation was established it has given over

$1.6 million to 19 different hospitals across Canada. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation is the only national charity in Canada devoted solely to the care of premature and critically ill newborn babies.

The Foundation is also proud to announce the appointment of its first full-time Executive Director, Kathryn Hill, who will join the organization on April 4th. Kathryn brings with her a very successful background in fund-raising and a strong commitment to having a major impact on the care of babies in crisis across Canada. She has a proven record in establishing partnerships and on-going relationships that benefit causes like that of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

"I am very pleased to become part of this very special and unique organization which is driven by passion and the desire to make change", said Hill. "This organization is bigger than life and has so much potential to positively impact neonatal care in this country," she proclaimed. "I'm privileged to help this organization to continue to build awareness for the need for increased neonatal funding."

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation holds an annual telethon in partnership with TSN and the Canadian Curling Association. This year's telethon held at the Tim Hortons Brier on Sunday raised a record $390,000. Donations continue to be accepted online.

100% of tax receipted donations will be given directly to hospitals that care for premature and critically ill babies because while all children do not grow up to be champions, every child deserves the chance.

A look through... A Pane in the Glass: A Coach's Companion.

Written and compiled by Bill Tschirhart, this comprehensive manual explores all aspects of the sport of curling that contribute to the building of a championship team. This is a must have for coaches and competitive players. This informative coaching manual is available through your provincial/territorial curling association office for $50. The author is generously donating all proceeds from the sale of the manuals to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

"A Pane in the Glass: A Coach's Companion" is also available at Curlers' Corner in Calgary, Folk's Curling Corner in Saskatoon & Regina, Performance Brush in Quebec and Balance Plus in Ontario & Atlantic Canada

Bill Tschirhart - Formerly National Development Coach at the National Training Centre, Bill is currently the National Coach of the Senior Men's and Women's teams that will be representing Canada at the World Curling Championships in 2011.

The Foundation would like to thank Bill for his generosity and continued support of our mission to help seriously ill babies across Canada. - Jody Meli, Chair.

Sandra Schmirler Day proclaimed in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE - The 2011 Scotties Tournament of Hearts is bringing with it more than just great curling and exceptional athletes to the region's capital city. The PEI Host Committee and the Sandra Schmirler Foundation are teaming up with the QEH Foundation to celebrate and honour the late Sandra Schmirler as part of 2011 Scotties on Prince Edward Island.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created in 2001 and is dedicated to donating and raising funds for hospitals across Canada for the care of premature and critically ill babies.

Francine Poisson, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, says she couldn't be more excited to be able to honour Schmirler's legacy by coming to PEI and making a contribution to the QEH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

"Not only was she the skip of Canada's first Olympic gold medal curling team and three-time world curling champion, she was a remarkably loving mother. Sandra poured her heart and soul into her family," says Poisson. "I am pleased to announce that our Foundation will match all funds raised for the QEH NICU, up to $50,000. This is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference and help high-risk babies on the Island."

Premier Robert Ghiz was on hand to officially declare Sandra Schmirler Day on Prince Edward Island on Sunday, February 20th. He says he is pleased to celebrate such an exemplary Canadian whose presence will be profoundly felt on the Island during this year's Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

"As Canadians, we all remember watching her win Olympic Gold in Nagano, learning of her cancer diagnosis following the birth of her second child and her sudden passing in 2000. As the father of a young daughter and with another baby on the way, I feel especially close to this cause," says Premier Ghiz. "We are pleased to have the Sandra Schmirler Foundation on the Island for this special occasion and supporting our QEH NICU - so many Island families will benefit as a result."

Dr. Mitchell Zelman, Head of the QEH NICU, says each year there are approximately 150 premature babies admitted to the NICU. This includes babies born here and babies transferred back home from an off-Island referral hospital.

"We have the neonatal expertise to care for high-risk premature newborns and critically ill babies. However, it's the up-to-date medical equipment that really allows us to keep our services running," says Zelman. "Our Island's most fragile babies always do a little better when they are close to home so families can be together."

Kim Dolan, Host Committee Chair, says Sandra Schmirler Day will be an event to remember. She encourages all Islanders to consider making a donation. After all, every dollar raised will go directly towards funding medical equipment for our hospital's NICU so babies can receive the highest level of care here on PEI.

"We're also inviting the public to join us for a good old fashioned Island kitchen party where donations will be accepted at the door. Anyone donating $100 or more that day will receive a Sandra Schmirler Foundation 10th Anniversary medallion," says Dolan. "Live entertainment from 'Boys in the Kitchen' will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the HeartStop Lounge directly following PEI's game against Quebec that Sunday."

Dolan says it will also be a great chance to meet some of the top Canadian women's curlers who are participating in this year's Scotties.

"Sandra's former team mate, Joan McCusker, will also be here to share some intimate curling stories about her team. We really hope people will come out to help celebrate while also supporting this terrific cause."

For more information on how to support Sandra Schmirler Day on PEI, please call the QEH Foundation office at (902) 894-2425 or go to our website at www.qehfoundation.pe.ca.

Sandra Schmirler Foundation Donates Second Gift to SAH's NICU

The Sault Area Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will benefit once again from a generous contribution by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

This time, a donation of $20,000 will be used to purchase a new glidescope for the unit.

The glidescope is a piece of equipment that is used when intubating - the process of inserting a breathing tube into the windpipe - and greatly increases the success rate, especially with unpredictable or difficult airways.

It is a particularly useful tool for both babies and mothers in need of an airway during resuscitation and/or C-sections.

A digital camera mounted to the baton projects an image onto a portable monitor, providing a clear, real time view of the airway and tube placement, enabling quick intubation.

The glidescope is operational in seconds, has an anti-fogging mechanism which resists lens contamination, a non-glare monitor and is easy to use.

Earlier this year, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation donated $30,000 to the hospital's NICU for the purchase of a new giraffe warmer/incubator.

"We are very pleased to present a second gift to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation," said Jody Meli, chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. "Everyone at SAH were so supportive of our efforts at the 2010 Scotties to fundraise for our Foundation. This has been a great partnership and we wish SAH all the very best as they move into a facility that will look after our most vulnerable babies."

These donations represent a portion of the proceeds from a telethon held annually during the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian Women's Curling Championships, which took place in January 2010 in Sault Ste. Marie.

The telethon received more than 2,800 calls from across the country, and at $287,000, set an all-time record for the amount raised.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created as a legacy to three-time world curling champion and Olympic gold medallist Sandra Schmirler.

The Foundation's mission is "caring for babies in crisis through direct giving to neonatal care across Canada."

"We continue to pursue our dream that while all children may not grow up to be champions like Sandra, every child deserves the chance," adds Ms. Meli.

"We are thrilled with this second contribution which will allow us to purchase much-needed equipment for the NICU," says Cheryl Pavoni, executive director of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. "Thank you to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for their continued generous support of SAH and our community."

According to Johanne Messier-Mann, chief nursing officer, director of the maternal/ child program and nursing practice: "This glidescope will be an important addition to the equipment in our current NICU and be part of the state-of-the-art NICU in the new hospital once we move in next March. Sandra's legacy will live on through the infants and families we serve in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region for many years to come."

For more information about SAH, please visit: www.sah.on.ca

New grants to hospital foundations in Edmonton and Sault Ste. Marie

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has announced two new grants totaling over $80,000 - on in Edmonton, host of this year's Olympic Trials and the other in Sault Ste. Marie which is home to the 2010 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

The Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation in Edmonton has received $50,693.25 for a vital piece of equipment called a video laryngoscope. This is a scope designed to visualize the larynx using video technology. The video camera is mounted on a scope used to gain access and view the larynx for diagnosis, removal of foreign bodies, and insertion of tubes via a nasal or oral route.

The Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation focuses on raising funds in support of world-class pediatric health care through education, research, special services and the purchase of highly specialized equipment.

The Sault Area Hospital Foundation receives $29,621 for the purchase of a Giraffe Incubator. This is the most advanced, user-friendly and developmentally supportive incubator available today. It provides an unsurpassed healing environment for intensely ill infants.

The Mission of the Sault Area Foundation is to raise funds for new equipment and upgrades to patient care facilities and programs.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created in 2001 in memory of the three-time Canadian and World curling champion and Olympic gold medalist who lost her battle with cancer in 2000 at the age of 36. Sandra fought a courageous battle and her will to live is reflected in the fight for survival, often against the odds, this is epitomized in pre-mature babies.

Shannon England, selected by the Canadian Curling Association, in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee, to carry the flame in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

OTTAWA, October 21, 2009 - The Canadian Curling Association (CCA), in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), is pleased to announce that Shannon England, husband of the late Sandra Schmirler, has been selected as a torchbearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Mr. England is scheduled to run in Regina, Saskatchewan on January 10th, 2010, day 73 of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, which also happens to be his 45th birthday. Sharing in the experience will be his two daughters, Sara (12) and Jenna (10), who will be cheering from the crowd as he carries the flame proudly.

"I was excited to learn of our opportunity to nominate someone to represent the association in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay," said Greg Stremlaw, CCA Chief Executive Officer. "This is an opportunity that many Canadians would love to have, as it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"The CCA is thrilled to have Shannon England represent curling and the Canadian Curling Association. He is a wonderful role model, who, like Sandra Schmirler, embodies the spirit of curling and everything that is good about the sport.

"We are so pleased to know that Shannon will have his two daughters, Jenna and Sara, there to cheer him on during this historic day. What better way to continue to demonstrate that Sandra's passion for curling and enthusiasm for life are front and centre. We wish Shannon good luck and hope he enjoys this wonderful experience with his family."

Schmirler, a three-time Canadian and world champion, won the first official Olympic gold medal in women's curling when skipping her team to victory at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. Two years later, in early March of 2000, Schmirler died of cancer at the age of 36.

"I felt very humbled and really wondered why Greg would ask me when there are so many other curlers that I would consider more worthy of this honour," said England, Director, Customer Applications, Department of Information Services, University of Regina.

"The Olympic Winter Games is the pinnacle of athletic competition. Watching my wife Sandra and her teammates win gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics will be something I will always fondly remember. If a person is not able to compete as an athlete at the Games, being able to participate in the Torch Relay would be the next best thing. It is with honour that I represent all curlers and the Canadian Curling Association in the Olympic Torch Relay."

The Olympic Torch Relay will visit over 1,000 communities in Canada, beginning its journey in Victoria, British Columbia on October 30th, 2009. Twelve thousand torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame as it travels more than 45,000 kilometres, by land, air and water, in what will be the longest relay (106 days) in history to be held within the borders of an Olympic host country. The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay is presented by Coca-Cola and RBC, and supported by the Government of Canada.

For more information on the Olympic Torch Relay, visit www.vancouver2010.com

Curl BC names Sandra Schmirler Foundation as “Charity of Choice”

Curl BC, the organization responsible for the delivery of all curling programs and services in the province, has announced it will support the Foundation bearing the name of one of Canada’s most beloved curlers.

Read the press release