About

MacKids Walk & Wheel is an annual tradition for patients, families and supporters of McMaster Children’s Hospital, including Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre.

Since 2012, more than $1.5 million has been raised to enhance patient care.

MacKids Walk & Wheel will be returning to Bayfront Park on June 4, 2022. Participants are encouraged to join us for the Tikes on Trikes (5 & under) bike ride, the Wonders on Wheels (6 & up) ride and/or the all-ages Trailblazers Walk. These activities are followed by Miraclefest, a celebration that includes lunch, face painting, bounce castles, the ever-popular Teddy Bear Hospital and so much more!

Event Day Timeline:

9:00 a.m. Registration Open
9:35 a.m. Opening Ceremony
10:00 a.m. Tikes on Trikes (5 and under)
10:20 a.m. Wonders on Wheels (6 & up)
10:45 a.m. Mascot Dance Party
11:00 a.m. Trailblazer Family Walk & Miraclefest Opens
12:00 p.m. Fundraising Awards
1:00 p.m. Event ends

Registration

All participants (children, youth and adults) are encouraged to register online. It’s free for everyone until the early-bird registration date ends on April 1, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. After April 1, 2022, all children and youth 17 and under will remain free to register, and adults and youth 18 and older will have a $25 registration fee. Once you are registered, you have access to the fundraising platform and will be eligible for great prizes.

FAQ

Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions.

Reminder

A friendly reminder for all our participants who will be wheeling during their adventure to wear a helmet when biking, and additional safety gear (knee pads, etc.) if you are rollerblading or skateboarding.

COVID-19 and Masks

Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation aligns with the same guidelines that are required in our hospitals, and this policy extends to all our Foundation hosted events as well. All Foundation staff, volunteers and contracted vendors will be wearing masks and have confirmed their vaccination status for Walk & Wheel.

Walk & Wheel partners and attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks and we ask that no one attend the event if they feel ill. What makes this event extra special is the number of grateful families and hospital staff that participate to show their support of our mission! We are cognizant that many Walk & Wheel attendees may have increased vulnerabilities due to health conditions and by encouraging masks, we hope all will feel welcome and comfortable to take part in all the awesome activities planned.

We would also ask all attendees of our events to follow the guidelines outlined by the municipal, provincial and federal authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These may evolve as we approach our event date and will be communicated with event participants. Some tips to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19:

• Do not attend the event if you are feeling unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms, are waiting for COVID-19 test results or have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19.
• Maintain physical distancing when possible.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Always wash hands before and after eating, as well as before and during food preparation.
• Use touchless garbage cans if possible.

Fundraising

All participants are encouraged to fundraise. Once registered, you’ll have access to a personalized participant centre where you can send emails to request support, view your progress and send thank-you emails. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers (see below for details and regulations).

Your Dollars at Work

When you fundraise for MacKids Walk & Wheel, you help us purchase the best equipment and enable specialized treatment and services for children and youth in our region. Visit Mackids.ca to learn more about McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Prizes

Click here to view all prizes. There are TONS of fundraising prizes, registration prizes and other draws where you can win some great items!