Every March, Capes for Kids fills the city with bright red capes. You see them on playgrounds, in elevators, and on the subway, worn by kids who treat them like badges of honour and by adults who wear them with joy. Those capes always catch the eye, and that flash of red is a reminder that kids with disabilities should be seen, celebrated and supported.
This year, the campaign celebrates 10 years. For a decade, thousands of people have come together to champion kids and youth at Holland Bloorview. What started as a playful idea has grown into a powerful tradition that brings communities together and shines a light on the everyday experiences of children with disabilities.
“Capes for Kids is more than a fun way to raise donations for Canada’s hospital for kids with disabilities. Each year, it has sparked meaningful conversations about childhood disability and inclusion — with our friends, family, classmates, coworkers and even new people we meet while wearing our cape,” says Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation President and CEO Sandra Hawken.
“That’s as powerful as the nearly $8 million raised over the past 10 years by our amazing superheroes. Now, it’s time to take our impact to even greater heights.”
To date, the campaign has helped fuel research at the Bloorview Research Institute, supports the training of future pediatric disability specialists and helps families cover the cost of equipment, transportation, medications and overnight stays. All of this mattered even more during the COVID pandemic, when many families were suddenly facing disrupted routines, cancelled services and urgent new needs.
Capes for Kids also brings joy to kids through therapeutic clowns, music therapy and creative programs like Spiral Garden, an integrated summer camp. And for teens, it opens the door to the Independence Program, where they learn everyday skills that set them up for the future.
Capes donations also make care more accessible. Digital tools like 3D scanning and printing help families get orthotics and prosthetics faster and more affordably, and innovations like robotics, video gaming therapy and wearable anxiety supports move into clinical care sooner.
Over the years, the campaign has also created many memorable, milestone moments:
- In 2017, LEGO kicked things off by hosting a lively launch party.
- In 2019, the campaign joined Gotham Central Comics for Free Comic Book Day.
- In 2022, Capes for Kids passed the $1 million mark, received support from Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz and celebrated Capes Week with the CN Tower lit up in red.
- In 2023, the movement grew and we set a Guinness World Record with support from Raptors 905 and Pascal Siakam.
- In 2024, fans celebrated Capes Nights with both the Marlies and Raptors 905.
- In 2025, three Atwill-Morin superheroes rappelled down the hospital, showcasing the spirit of courage and community behind the campaign.
A decade in, these capes mean more than Holland Bloorview could have ever imagined. They signal hope, community, and a future where kids with disabilities have the tools, care and opportunities they deserve. And with every cape worn, that future becomes a little closer, a little brighter and a lot more possible.