The Why Behind the Giving: Three REMAX Affiliates Share Their CMN Stories

For many REMAX affiliates, supporting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), a non-profit that raises funds and awareness for children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, goes beyond fundraising.

The donations matter. The awareness matters. The impact matters.

But behind every contribution is a personal reason for giving.

For some, inspiration comes from a family’s experience with a children’s hospital. For others, it grows from years of community involvement and seeing firsthand the difference a small act of kindness can make.

As Month of Miracles, a month-long effort to raise awareness and support for CMN, continues, three REMAX affiliates share the stories that keep them committed to helping children and families year after year.

Darcy Powlik: A Personal Connection

Twenty-four years ago, when Darcy Powlik of REMAX Real Estate in Edmonton, Alberta, first pledged to make a donation to CMN after each closing on behalf of his clients through the  Miracle Home Program , he simply wanted to support a cause championed by REMAX.

Then the mission became personal.

Four years ago, Powlik’s grandson, Kade, was born with significant medical challenges and required open-heart surgery when he was just four days old.

Kade spent 23 days in intensive care at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.

“The Stollery with their amazing doctors and nurses saved his life,” Powlik said. “We will be forever grateful.”

Today, Kade’s experience fuels Powlik’s commitment to the hospital and the families it serves.

“Our family feels it’s so important to continue to support and promote the good things the Stollery does,” he said.

Jeff Laprade: Making CMN a Family Affair

For Jeff Laprade, a real estate agent with REMAX Hallmark Realty Group in Kanata, Ontario, supporting Children’s Miracle Network has grown far beyond a professional commitment.

Throughout  Laprade’s career, he has worked to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), his local children’s hospital in Ottawa, while finding creative ways to involve his family and community.

One year, Laprade and his daughter hosted a garage sale benefiting CHEO. She even baked cookies decorated with CHEO-themed icing to help raise additional funds.

“If there’s a way to raise money, I always tie in CHEO,” he said.

The cause is deeply personal for Laprade because of the role CHEO plays throughout the community.

“Everybody has either used CHEO or knows somebody who has,” he said.

One of his most memorable moments came while participating in a fundraising telethon. With his fundraising goal just $1,000 short, a client called in and made a donation that helped him reach his target.

Over the years, he has also developed meaningful relationships with patients and families connected to the hospital.

“People thank us for giving back,” Laprade said. “But to be honest, I receive far more from giving my time and money.”

John Groft: Creating Moments That Matter

For John Groft, a sales associate with REMAX Creative Realty in Lexington, Kentucky, supporting CMN has often meant looking beyond fundraising and finding creative ways to bring joy to children and families.

Over the years, he has donated from closings, supported fundraising campaigns and organized community initiatives benefiting Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

Among them was a Halloween event designed to create a neighborhood-style trick-or-treat experience for children unable to leave the hospital. Another initiative helped provide gaming equipment for pediatric patients, while a Band-Aid drive collected thousands of colorful bandages for children undergoing treatment.

One memory continues to stay with him.

“Seeing children walking the halls, dressed up, smiling, and choosing candy like any other child might do in their own neighborhood reminded me why this work matters,” Groft said.

“It was a way to bring a little childhood back into a place where many kids are facing something very difficult.”

For Groft, those moments reinforce an important lesson.

“A colorful Band-Aid may seem like a small thing,” he said, “but for a child who is nervous about treatment or a shot, being able to choose one can become a moment of control, comfort and courage.”

More Than a Donation

While their stories are different, Powlik, Laprade and Groft share a common belief: supporting Children’s Miracle Network is ultimately about helping children and families when they need it most.

Whether inspired by a grandchild’s life-saving care, a community hospital’s impact or years spent creating meaningful experiences for young patients, their reasons for giving are deeply personal.

And perhaps that is what makes the REMAX and CMN partnership so powerful. Behind every donation is a story. Behind every fundraiser is a family. And behind every act of generosity is the opportunity to create one more miracle.