Vancouver, BC – The Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF) is pleased to announce its 2010.11 grant recipients following a record-setting year that saw the CFKF raise $4.2 million.

“It is very gratifying to be able to share these funds with such worthy recipients,” said Paolo Aquilini, Alternate Governor, Canucks Sports & Entertainment and President of the Canucks for Kids Fund Board. “Our incredible fans, loyal donors and partners have shown tremendous generosity and support, combining to make this the most successful year to date.”

This year’s core grant recipients include Canucks Autism Network , Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and BC Children’s Hospital. Additional grant recipients include Adoptive Families Association, Athletics for Kids, BC Blind Sports, BC Woman’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver, Britannia Hockey Academy, CAN Van Program, Canucks Family Education Centre, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Hockey Canada, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Phoenix Academy of Learning, Rare Disease Foundation, Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation, Theatre Templeton, Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association, YWCA, Arts Umbrella, CFKF Power Play, CFKF FIN’s Friends and Canucks Centre for BC Hockey.

In its 26th year of giving, the CFKF has granted more than $36.5 million to children’s charities across BC. The CFKF fundraises annually through several successful events including: CFKF Telethon, CFKF Dice & Ice, CFKF Super Skills, Sports Celebrities Festival, CFKF 50/50 and the CFKF Jake Milford Canucks Charity Invitational.

2010.11 Highlights

$5 million to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Campaign

March 14, 2011, CFKF made a gift of $5 million to BC Children’s Hospital in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Campaign for BC Children as well as the Diabetes Research Laboratory at the Child & Family Research Institute.

The Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF) has had a longstanding partnership with BC Children's Hospital, providing the Hospital with substantial in-kind and promotional support. In addition, CFKF has granted more than $1.3 million dollars to the Hospital to assist in many areas including childhood diabetes research.

The Diabetes Research Laboratory at the Child and Family Research Institute is home to a world-renowned team of diabetes investigators led by childhood diabetes researcher, Dr. Bruce Verchere. The team includes outstanding clinicians and scientists who aim to understand the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children, and ultimately hope to develop new treatments to prevent or cure this devastating disease. The team uses a multi-disciplinary approach that includes both clinical and laboratory bench research, and has particular strengths in transplantation of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas; stem cells; understanding autoimmunity and the triggers of type 1 diabetes; childhood obesity and metabolism, particularly in vulnerable pediatric populations; and inflammation.

Canucks For Kids Fund Dice & Ice

The Vancouver Canucks held their twelfth annual Dice & Ice Benefit, presented by HSBC, on Thursday, February 10th, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver. The business formal event benefited the Canucks for Kids Fund.

All Canucks players, coaches, management and Canucks Alumni were joined by 720 guests, who combined to make this event the most successful to date.

The event raised over $900,000 in net proceeds through silent and live auctions featuring rare sports memorabilia, unique travel experiences and themed gift baskets created by players and their wives and significant others. In 2009.10, the Dice & Ice Benefit raised more than $314,000 in net proceeds in support of the Canucks for Kids Fund.

Canucks For Kids Fund 50/50

The Canucks for Kids Fund 50/50 supports and grants to charities serving children in British Columbia. With the generosity of our loyal fans and dedicated team of volunteers, the Canucks for Kids Fund 50/50 program has become the most successful in the NHL. This year, with an extended playoff run, the Canucks 50/50 program raised a record $1.4 million. Entering the 2011.12 season, enhancements to the current 50/50 program will allow for even greater fundraising opportunities. The CFKF 50/50 will implement a new electronic system which will increase the amount of time guests can access 50/50 tickets while attending Canucks games at Rogers Arena.