Meet Our 2025 Capes for Kids Ambassadors!

Capes for Kids is an annual fundraiser for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. It’s a fun way to give back.

How does it work?

Register for free, fundraise to reach your goal and then wear your red cape during “Capes Week” happening February 28-March 7, 2025. You can register as an individual or assemble a team with your family, workplace or school!

Donations will fund important programs and services for kids and teens with disabilities, like independence workshops, instruments for music therapy, and financial support for families to spend on essentials like wheelchairs and transportation.

Meet our Ambassadors

Each year, Capes for Kids ambassadors proudly wear their capes and inspire meaningful conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and creating a stigma-free world where everyone belongs.

Meet Monika!

Who is your superhero?

My superheroes are my two best friends. I love them the way they are and they always make me laugh, and feel good. I look up to them because they make me want to be a good friend too.

Do you have a challenge for your community?

I would like to continue to challenge my community to support inclusion and diversity and to see the beauty, uniqueness and ability in every person.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I am proud to say that I am Canada’s first professional runway model with Down syndrome. I have been on countless runways including NYC and Paris Fashion Weeks. I have received many recognition certificates and have been featured in the media all around the world for redefining beauty and raising awareness for inclusion and diversity. 

Meet Ragheeb!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Running fast, like the Flash. So that I can get to places quicker and not have to wait in traffic.

Who is your superhero?

Ba-ba-ba-bat-man!

…And my EAs Ms. Giannetti and SERT Mrs. Ziv, and all the teachers at my school. They supported me with starting Capes for Kids at my school when I first came in the middle of February in Grade 3.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

My biggest accomplishment so far has been starting Capes for Kids at my elementary school and getting a capes crew together for my campaign. Last year we raised $3371.25! On the last day, one kid from my school donated $1000 after our finale assembly. During that assembly I talked about what Holland Bloorview had done for me. We set a goal of $2000 and we passed it!

Meet Nolen!

Who is your superhero?

NBA players who give back to their communities. Pascal Siakam and his contributions to Holland Bloorview and DeMar DeRozan for speaking openly about mental health after being traded from the Raptors.

Do you have a challenge for your community?

I want to see my community do ice-buckets. I know that might be a stretch, but if I meet my goal of signing people up for Capes for Kids, I think I could convince my dad to dump a bucket of ice on his head.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Taking the subway to school – I take it both ways every day now that I’m in Grade 9.

Join forces with Monika, Ragheeb and Nolen!

When you participate in Capes for Kids, you’re not only helping care for kids and youth with disabilities, you’re encouraging them to dream big and pursue what they love.