August 28, 2015

Garth Brooks Raises Funds for Saskatchewan’s New Children’s Hospital

Country music legend Garth Brooks took Saskatchewan by storm for back-to-back fundraising events in Saskatoon and Regina on August 26th.

Brooks and his Teammates for Kids Foundation partnered with Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation to raise funds for a new “Child Life Zone” at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The “Zone” will be a state-of-the-art therapeutic play area for pediatric patients and their families. The 2,800 square foot space will enhance healing through music, art, and other great educational programs and equipment.

“There’s nothing like going home to your healthy children,” said Brooks, told gathered media in Regina. “And if you have healthy children, get down on your prayer bones and thank God and try to do something for the kids that aren’t healthy right now.”

Saskatchewan’s new “Zone” will join eleven other Child Life Zones across North America, including Atlanta, Colorado, Dallas, Denver, Forth Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and Phoenix. Saskatchewan’s “Zone” will be the first in Canada.

“Needy children know no flag, so I’m very proud that we are finally starting to expand out,” said Brooks.

Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Brett Wilson announced a $1 million contribution at the event and the Mosaic Company pledged $3 million to support ongoing programming for the new Child Life Zone.

The two fundraising events featured a personal “meet and greet” with Brooks for guests, an intimate performance by Brooks, as well as performances by CCMA-award winners Brett Kissel and Codie Prevost, as well as local up and comers the Dead South and Colter Wall.