Ryan Reynolds Says Kids Are 'Magical Gifts From Heaven' And 'Can Kind of Be Pricks' In Fundraising Video For Beloved SickKids Charity

Ryan Reynolds, again the embodiment of Christmas cheer and philanthropy, teamed up with staff members and amazing kids at the SickKids Foundation to raise money for an organization Canadians cherish. 

In a YouTube video for the organization, Reynolds sets the tone with his trademark sarcasm, declaring, “Every parent knows that kids, while a magical gift from heaven, can kind of be pricks.” Set in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, the video follows Reynolds, wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, through various staff and children interactions as he weaves humor and admiration for the staff who manage the challenges posed by over-exuberant children.

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“At SickKids, we are not just focused on delivering the most advanced care with the most talented staff, we also want kids to get back to being themselves,” Reynolds said, his sarcasm underscoring his appreciation for the hospital’s mission. The actor then notes, “Which, you know, is kind of a lot.”

The video, posted on Reynolds' YouTube account, received more than 167,000 views in the four days after its Dec. 4 launch. Its impact extends beyond entertainment, prompting Canadians to share their experiences with the Hospital for Sick Children on social media. Personal accounts and stories through social media platforms from people like Sportsnet national TV anchor Faizal Khamisa and economic and policy expert Tyler Meredith underscore the hospital’s significant role in many people's lives.

Also appearing in the video is singer Michael Bublé, who reacts to a child screaming they instead wanted singer Anne Murray. Austin Matthews, a center for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, also appears and the same screaming child greets him upon arrival. 

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SickKids, officially The Hospital for Sick Children, is a renowned Canadian organization dedicated to pediatric healthcare. Located in Toronto, it offers medical care, research and support for children facing serious illnesses. SickKids plays a pivotal role in advancing children’s health across Canada.

This isn’t Reynolds’ first foray into supporting SickKids. The actor has been involved with the organization since 2018. Six years ago, he initiated a holiday campaign using an animation inspired by an ugly Christmas sweater, a tradition he continued after fellow actors Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal tricked him into participating. Last year, the SickKids holiday campaign, featuring Reynolds in his signature sweater, raised $580,000.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Reynolds is a savvy investor and business owner. In the past few years, Reynolds netted an estimated $452 million from just two of his deals. He received $330 million from the $1.35 billion sale of Mint Mobile to T-Mobile and $122 million from his sale of Aviation American Gin for $610 million to beverage giant Diageo. 

Reynolds also invests in sports. In the summer of 2023, he announced a significant investment in a Formula One racing team. In late 2020, Reynolds and fellow actor Robert McElhenney bought Wrexham Association Football Club in Wales for approximately $2.5 million. The club received instant recognition through the sale, the two actors' frequent appearances and star power and the acclaimed "Welcome to Wrexham" television series.

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