Harrow Fair Pie Auction Shatters Record: $117,500 Raised in Support of the John McGivney Children’s Centre

August 30, 2024

The John McGivney Children's Centre (JMCC) is thrilled to announce that this year’s Brad and Joanne Stannard Memorial Pie Auction held at the Harrow Fair on August 29th has raised a record-breaking $117,500. These funds will directly support the Centre’s mission of providing highly specialized pediatric rehabilitation and support services to children and youth with physical, neurological, and developmental needs.

“For over 45 years, we’ve been proud to offer these vital services,” says Jennifer Jovanovski, CEO of JMCC. “This generous donation will help us continue our efforts to ensure that every child we serve has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The pie auction began 29 years ago, raising $350 in its inaugural year. The tradition was started by the Stannard family as a way to honour their late son Todd, who was born with spina bifida and passed away at the age of seven in 1975. At the time, Todd and his family benefited from programs run by the Red Cross, the precursor to JMCC. Inspired by the fair's prize-winning pies and seeking a way to give back, the family launched the pie auction.

Mark Stannard, along with his wife Lisa and their sons Philip and Owen, has continued the tradition, carrying forward the legacy of his parents, Brad and Joanne Stannard. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially, with this year’s record-setting total pushing the overall amount raised to $483,072.

“We are beyond grateful to the Stannard family, all of the bakers, the auctioneers, the community, and every single person who had a hand in making this event such a huge success,” Jovanovski added. “Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of so many children and families.”