Toronto Marriott City Centre to host root beer float fundraiser for SickKids Foundation

From 3 to 5 p.m., hotel staff will serve root beer floats on the On Deck Patio at 1 Blue Jays Way. Guests can enjoy a sweet treat in exchange for a donation to SickKids Foundation. The event will run rain or shine, and team members will be dressed in themed attire to mark the occasion.

“Our team is proud to support the incredible work done by SickKids and Children’s Miracle Network,” says Ryan Soderberg, general manager of Toronto Marriott City Centre. “This is a meaningful way for us to honour our company’s history while giving back to our community.”

The root beer float social pays tribute to Marriott’s origins. In 1927, founders J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott opened a nine-seat A&W Root Beer stand in Washington, D.C., to help customers cool off in the summer heat. That small business would grow into a global hospitality company.

Julie Shorrock, regional director of sales and marketing, says the event connects Marriott’s past with its present. “It’s a tradition that ties together our roots and our commitment to helping others. We’re excited to invite the public to take part.”

Marriott International has supported CMN Hospitals since 1983 as its first corporate partner, raising more than US$165 million over the course of the 40-year partnership. Properties across North America host similar events throughout August to raise funds for local children’s hospitals.

For those unable to attend in person, donations to SickKids Foundation can be made online at: https://bit.ly/TorontoMarriottFloatDay.

CMN Hospitals supports 170 children’s hospitals in Canada and the U.S., helping fund life-saving treatments, paediatric medical equipment, research and family support services. More information is available at cmnhospitals.org.