“Scrubs In Our City” 2026: A Toronto Gala Marking 25 Years of Impact
On a warm June evening, more than 1,500 Torontonians gathered at Evergreen Brick Works for an event that has become a cherished fixture on the city’s social calendar. What began nearly a quarter-century ago as a community fundraiser has evolved into one of Toronto’s most anticipated philanthropic celebrations. This year, Scrubs in Our City 2026 marked a remarkable milestone: 25 years of supporting children’s health through the world-renowned SickKids Foundation.
The anniversary edition proved to be a record-worthy success. Thanks to the generosity of 1,514 guests, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, the event raised an impressive $1.4 million in a single evening. Combined with funds raised over the past 25 years, Scrubs has now contributed more than $14 million toward advancing pediatric healthcare and research.
But beyond the glamour, gourmet dining, and lively entertainment, the evening was driven by a singular purpose: improving the lives of children and families who rely on SickKids every day.
A Party with a Purpose
Presented by Holt Renfrew in collaboration with Mantella Corporation, this year’s Toronto-themed celebration paid tribute to the city that has supported SickKids for generations. The event embraced the pillars that have defined Scrubs since its inception – fashion, philanthropy, and community.
Guests enjoyed an all-inclusive experience featuring culinary creations from some of Toronto’s most celebrated food partners, including Prime Seafood Palace, Melani, SIMPL THINGS, and Toben Food by Design. Throughout the evening, attendees sampled local flavours, explored immersive entertainment experiences, captured memorable moments at photo activations, and danced well into the night.
The atmosphere was electric, but the mission remained front and centre.
Investing in the Future of Pediatric Care
Funds raised during Scrubs in Our City 2026 will support the purchase of a state-of-the-art photon-counting CT scanner for SickKids. This groundbreaking diagnostic imaging technology represents a significant advancement in pediatric healthcare.
Unlike traditional CT scanners, photon-counting technology delivers exceptionally detailed images while reducing radiation exposure – an especially important benefit for children who may require multiple scans throughout their treatment journey. The enhanced image quality enables healthcare teams to make more accurate diagnoses, develop more precise treatment plans, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
For families facing complex medical challenges, access to advanced diagnostic tools can make all the difference. The new scanner will help SickKids continue pushing the boundaries of pediatric medicine while ensuring children receive the safest and most effective care possible.
Powered by Community
One of the defining characteristics of Scrubs has always been the people behind it. Volunteer committee members, event co-chairs, sponsors, donors, and community partners collectively transform a single evening into a lasting impact on children’s healthcare.
Over the past 25 years, funds raised through Scrubs have supported groundbreaking initiatives across numerous areas of care, including diabetes research, neurosurgery, and advanced diagnostic technologies. These investments have helped accelerate diagnoses, improve treatments, and support world-class research that benefits children far beyond Toronto.
Corporate partners also play a vital role in bringing the event to life. This year’s celebration featured a highly anticipated auction showcasing more than 150 prizes, from exclusive culinary experiences and luxury fashion offerings to sought-after concert and sporting event tickets. Among the standout items was a Parisian getaway valued at more than $30,000. Guests also participated in on-site prize draws featuring coveted rewards, including fine jewellery and a new vehicle.
Yet while the evening offered no shortage of excitement, its true value lay in the collective commitment to supporting children’s health.
Looking Ahead
As SickKids continues to earn international recognition – including being named the world’s leading children’s hospital – community support remains essential to advancing its mission. Scrubs in Our City demonstrates the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when a city comes together around a shared purpose.
Twenty-five years after its inception, the event continues to prove that philanthropy can be both meaningful and memorable. It is a celebration of generosity, community spirit, and the belief that every child deserves access to the very best care available.
For everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or supported this year’s gala, the message from SickKids was simple: thank you.
The 25th anniversary may be complete, but the impact of the evening is only just beginning.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PIMENTEL FOR SICKKIDS FOUNDATION.
