CORE Returns to the Sand for the 2025 Heatwave for SickKids Corporate Beach Volleyball Challenge

CORE was proud to once again participate in the Heatwave for SickKids VS Corporate Beach Volleyball Team Challenge, a high-energy, community-driven event that unites companies across the region in support of one vital mission: helping the young patients at SickKids Hospital.

More than just a day of fun in the sun, this event plays a critical role in advancing pediatric healthcare. With over 800 children currently undergoing cancer treatment at SickKids, and that number steadily rising, initiatives like Heatwave help fund life-saving research, drive innovative treatments, and build modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities that change lives.

This year’s event also coincided with a major milestone: 150 years of SickKids. Since opening its doors in 1875, thanks to the vision and compassion of Elizabeth McMaster and a group of like-minded women, SickKids has been at the forefront of pediatric care and innovation, establishing North America’s first ICU for critically ill newborns in 1968, and continuously pushing the boundaries of children’s healthcare ever since.

For the third consecutive year, CORE rallied to support SickKids by entering two teams into the beach volleyball tournament. The teams were captained by Partner Brian Laye and Project Manager Taylor Balodis, both bringing their competitive spirit and community passion to the sand. Although Principal Deni Poletti was unable to attend in person, he was still present in spirit and in cardboard, as a life-size cutout cheered the teams on from the sidelines.

Brian’s team had a strong showing earlier on, winning 3 out of their 5 matches, while Taylor’s team delivered an outstanding performance, taking 4 wins out of 5 and narrowly losing the final match by just one point. Their efforts earned them a spot in the quarter-finals, where they played hard but ultimately didn’t advance further.

Although CORE didn’t walk away with the trophy, it was a privilege to stand alongside other organizations to support a cause that truly matters. We are incredibly proud of our teams and grateful to all who cheered us on and supported us. 

We look forward to continuing our support of SickKids and returning to the court next year!