In many ways, Mori Freitag is a typical nine-year-old girl: she loves acting and singing, playing games with her family, doing crafts and getting her nails done with her mom, Meghan.
But this is a girl on a mission: the Grade 5 Guy B. Brown student hopes to raise $10,000 for McMaster Children’s Hospital by the time she turns 10 next month. It may seem like a huge goal, but she’s already about halfway there – as of this week, the total sits at $4,575.
She’s raised the money – with support from family and friends – through various activities this summer, selling handcrafted bracelets, keychains and crocheted animals, along with lemonade and freezie treats. She’s also set up an online “Mori’s Mission” page where those who want to support the hospital can make donations. All the money goes directly to MCH.
“I know they, for example, they buy toys to keep the kids entertained,” Mori said during an interview with FlamboroughToday. “And they need fancy hospital beds that are, like, $10,000 each.”
But Mori is contributing something even more valuable than fundraising: she is sharing her story.
As a toddler, she experienced numerous infections, which meant several trips to MCH. She was diagnosed with a chronic condition called vesicoureteral reflux, which led to a couple of surgeries and extended stays at the West Hamilton facility. She and her family now manage her condition with medication, but occasional break-through infections can land her back in the hospital at any time.
Mori’s courage and outgoing personality – along with her empathy and passion for helping others – make her a terrific spokesperson for MCH. She is a patient ambassador for the hospital, and their 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Champion.
“We're always on the lookout for really compelling medical stories and grateful patients who want to give back, whether that's through fundraising efforts or with time and sharing inspirational stories,” said Milaina Wright, Director of Partnerships at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, which includes McMaster Children's Hospital.
Wright met Mori and her family when they were volunteering at another community fundraiser for the hospital.
“What an amazing family the Freitags are,” she said. “One of the ways I came to know them, was they've been fundraising at our local Dairy Queen store for the last few years on Miracle Treat Day. So I already knew that they were a grateful patient family and, really, an ideal family with a compelling story that was willing to donate their time to be a representative.”
There are just 13 children’s hospitals in Canada and each selects a champion for the year. In her role representing MCH, Mori is called on to speak to large groups, including at sponsor galas. In the spring she took the stage in front of 500 people at The Brick’s annual gala.
Mori is also featured on the in-store posters for Wal-Mart’s fundraising campaign, where customers can donate at the cash register; she attends events with the associates in the store, so they understand what they are asking people to support.
“It's a lot of work fundraising, and we recognize that, and want to make sure that they understand that there's a kid behind that face on the poster, and that their family is grateful for their support,” explains Wright, noting that the Walmart campaign is a substantial one for MCH. “And when Walmart associates ask for a donation, it is really making a difference. And for Walmart customers, that $2 or $5 that you donate when you check out, really does come 100 per cent directly to us and then goes directly to support those highest priority needs.”
Wright stresses that additional fundraising is not a requirement for the patient ambassadors; the idea for Mori’s Mission came from the family. And the money will be put to good use.
“One of the nice things about Mori’s Mission is that they’ve said that they will put it to the highest priority needs at the hospital, all the funds they raise,” she said. “That flexibility, it allows us to allocate those funds directly to what we need at that specific time that those funds are needed or received, Which is pretty wonderful.”
Mori’s mom, Meghan, is thankful that MCH is there for their family. “There's only 13 children's hospitals across Canada, so how blessed we are just to have one in our backyard,” she said.
Now back in school – and back to extracurricular activities such as classes at CBY Academy of Performing Arts – Mori will continue on her mission. In addition to selling her crafts, she’ll perform in a CBY concert planned for this fall that will raise funds for MCH. She’s also looking forward to another speaking engagement on Sept. 20.
“I'm just trying to inspire donors to help kids who have similar things to me,” says Mori.
To find out more or to donate to Mori's Mission, visit her online fundraising page.
