Tech Blog

[#1]

As Mathew noted last week , Microsoft Canada made the groundbreaking announcement that they have partnered with the Children's Miracle Network to launch Mission 4 Miracles (M4M), an initiative designed to raise funds for 14 children's hospitals across Canada.  I was there to witness the announcement live and had the opportunity to snap a number of photos and chat with the organizers.

The event took place in the Atrium of The Hospital for Sick Children, located in downtown Toronto.  The area was jam-packed with media, Microsoft and Children's Miracle Network staff, and a whole host of special guests including Steve Montador of the Buffalo Sabres, Juno-award winner Shawn Desman, Canadian Olympic Silver medalist Cheryl Bernard, Alpine Snowboarder and Olympian Matt Morison, two-time Olympian in half-pipe Brad Martin, and renowned graffiti artist Patrick Thompson.

Speaking at the event were Eric Gayles (President of Microsoft Canada), John Hartman (Chief International Officer of the Children’s Miracle Network) and Tobin Haas ( a 10-year-old SickKids Patient Ambassador and three-time cancer survivor).  Eric kicked off the event by giving an overview of what M4M is all about and how excited Microsoft is to be teaming with the Children’s Miracle Network to support our national children's hospitals.

"At Microsoft, we feel privileged to contribute to the outstanding care provided to kids at children’s hospitals across the country.  We’ve seen firsthand the impact technology can have through our Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids, or CLICK initiative and are very excited with the launch of Mission 4 Miracles today, mobilizing the generosity of Xbox LIVE Community to help kids", said Eric.  "We are putting out a challenge to every gamer in Canada to jump in and join Mission 4 Miracles – every point donated makes an impact."

Event crowd shot

Eric Gayles, President of Xbox Canada

John Hartman, Chief International Officer of the Children’s Miracle Network

Perhaps the most touching moment came when 10-year-old Tobin Haas took to the stage to recount his lifelong battle with cancer.  When he was only two years old his parents noticed that his behaviour was unusual, and took him to a pediatrician.  The CT scans showed that Tobin had an ependymoma, a particularly difficult cancer that grows next to the brain stem.  Tobin successfully went for surgery to have the tumour removed, only to have an MRI three years later show that it had returned, and he underwent surgery and chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, the cancer returned a year-and-a-half, only this time it had spread to his spine.  Miraculously, through the help of the SickKids Hospital, the doctors were able to remove the cancer and Tobin has since started playing hockey.  It was a very special story to hear and Tobin is a true fighter, it really brought to life the great work that Microsoft hopes to achieve with the M4M initiative.

Said Tobin about the initiative: "M4M is such a cool and fun way for people to donate to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Canada. SickKids has made a huge difference in my life and I want to say thanks to everyone for supporting Children’s Miracle Network. SickKids has given me all the medical help I’ve ever needed!"

10-year-old Tobin Haas telling his story

Eric Gayles presenting Tobin with an Xbox 360 package

Electric Playground host Shaun Hatton speaks with Tobin

Back row: Steve Montador of the Buffalo Sabres, President of Microsoft Canada Eric Gales, Juno-award winner Shawn Desman, Chief International Officer of Children's Miracle Network John Hartman. Front row: Olympic silver-medalist Cheryl Bernard, Alpine Snowboarder and Olympian Matt Morison, SickKids Patient Ambassador Tobin Haas, two-time Olympian in half-pipe Brad Martin.

To donate to M4M, please log on to Xbox LIVE, or the Xbox Canada website ( xbox.ca/m4m ). The way it works is gamers can donate Xbox LIVE points -- Xbox LIVE's online currency used for purchasing games and movies, and other content -- and be eligible to participate in "Game With Fame" experiences on Xbox LIVE with celebrities throughout the summer.  In addition, Xbox LIVE members can purchase exclusive gamerpics and themes created by graffiti artists Patrick Thompson and Alexa Hatanaka.  Here's what the M4M page should look like on your Xbox 360 dashboard:

Happy donating Canadian Xbox gamers!