It was the fall of 1988 and, as was the case on other fall afternoons, John Brockest, Gene Glaze, Ed Werenich, Neil Harrison and a number of other curlers were holding court around the lunch table at Avonlea Curling Club discussing how they could give something back to the community through a Charity Bonspiel.

The decision was made to approach local organizations that specialized in children's programs or charities. After discussions with a number of potential candidates, it was decided that the Bloorview/MacMillan Centre, represented by the energetic Susan Brower, would become the recipient of funds raised by this Charity Bonspiel and that it would be appropriately called 'Kurl for Kids'.

Finally, in 1990, through the efforts and support of the original 'lunch table group', plus Alison Goring, Paul Savage and Susan Brower, the Kurl for Kids Charity Bonspiel became a reality.

And what a reality it has turned out to be! Over the past 17 years, the Kurl for Kids Charity Bonspiel has raised well over $1.7 million for the children with special needs in our community, assisting in the funding of a variety of programs at both the Bloorview/ MacMillan Centre and, later, Variety Village.

In September of 2006 another exciting event in the evolution of this annual charity bonspiel took place as the decision was made to have the Sandra Schmirler Foundation become the recipient of the fund raising efforts of Kurl for Kids. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was formed in January of 2001, in remembrance of Sandra Schmirler, whose team won three world championships (in 1993, 1994 and 1997) and an Olympic gold medal (in 1998) . What a natural match this is!

The participants in the Kurl for Kids Bonspiel come from all walks of life and from across Canada and even parts of the United States for a chance to play with a Celebrity Skip and to help the children. They give of their time generously, by raising pledges and by joining our 'family' on Easter Weekend.

The list of Celebrity Skips who appear each year reads like a 'Who's Who' in the world of competitive curling; Provincial, Canadian, World and Olympic Champions from Canada, the United States and Europe have all given freely of their time to come to Toronto and help make this noble event the success that it has become.

Much has changed to Kurl for Kids over the years but our Mission has remained the same. We are constantly striving to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs in our community. We will continue to assist the children in overcoming the many challenges they face and, with your support, we will continue to make a difference.