A dedicated group of friends and local business leaders spearheaded by Toronto businessman Leonard Latchman and his wife Lori who inspired and drove the initiative, joined forces to recognize the contribution of Tie Domi's hockey career to the City of Toronto. Mr. Domi, inspired by his friends' generosity has also made a personal donation to help make the improved clinic possible.

"When he was on the ice, Tie was clearly 100 per cent committed to excellence," said Mr. Latchman. "Consistent with his career and the personality of SickKids, this updated facility will honour our friend by celebrating Tie's love for children, his love of 'play' and his deep connection to this hospital as an institution greatly in need of our support."

"I can hardly imagine a facility that I would be more proud to have my name associated with," said Mr. Domi. "I am privileged to have friends willing to commit their time, and resources to make this redesigned centre possible. It will create new chances and better choices for countless children."

SickKids occupational and physiotherapists, through the rehabilitation program, manage close to 35,000 patient attendances each year and deal with some of the most complex, acute rehabilitation needs from critical care and transplant patients to burn and cystic fibrosis patients.

"Rehabilitation is an area of care that touches the majority of patients recovering at SickKids," said Irene Ushycky, Director of Rehabilitation Services at SickKids. "Our therapists start by working with patients in their room because they are unable to physically come down to the rehabilitation department. It is a huge milestone in their recovery process when patients can visit the facility for treatment and now they will be able to celebrate that milestone in a bright new space."

Gluckstein Design donated their world-renowned services in creating a vision for the new clinic to redesign, redecorate and refurbish this valued space, maximizing its function and efficiency.

Once complete the new facility will be equipped with Tie Domi and Maple Leaf memorabilia, giving patients a special sense of excitement as they work toward their recovery.

Kaboose, a family-focused online media company, supported by Solutions with Impact have also joined 'The Friends of Tie Domi' in their efforts to raise money for SickKids. Kaboose is offering an online draw that includes a chance to skate with the hockey legend along with priceless autographed merchandise. For additional ways to give to SickKids in honour of Tie Domi, visit www.kaboose.com/friendsoftie.

Donors to the 'Friends of Tie Domi Rehabilitation Clinic' include: Jason and Audrey DeZwirek, Phil and Peggy DeZwirek, the Dietrich Family, John Fielding, the McBurney Family, Owen Mitchell, Salida Capital and Mark and Paula Silver, among others.