When Helen Shim, a Financial Analyst at OLG, placed her bid in the 2025 Federated Health Charities Silent Auction, she had her eye on one item: a signed baseball bat by Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. A lifelong Jays fan and the corporate treasurer for OLG’s Federated Health campaign, Helen was thrilled to see the bat among the auction listings. “This one was personal,” she said. “My whole family loves baseball, and I was determined to win it. The fact is that it was an easy decision for me to bid on it knowing that the funds went to charities, especially Kidney Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society.”
She set a reminder in her phone to check the bidding before the auction closed—and it paid off. Helen won the bat and gifted it to her son on behalf of his grandparents. “Watching his eyes light up when he saw Guerrero’s signature was amazing,” she shared. “It has a place of honour in our home.” Now, with the Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, the bat has become even more meaningful—a symbol of family, fandom, and the impact of giving.
Helen hopes future auctions will include more Jays memorabilia, from signed jerseys to behind-the-scenes experiences. “These items bring people joy,” she said, “and they help support 21 incredible health charities. That’s a win-win.” For her, the auction wasn’t just about winning a prized piece of baseball history—it was about being part of something bigger. “It’s incredible to know that my bid helped support health charities doing vital work across Ontario,” she said. “It’s a win for my family and a win for the community.”
Would you like to share your story with others about why you support Federated Health Charities? Do you know someone who would? Reach out to us at federated.health.charities@ontario.ca – we’d love to introduce you to your provincial government colleagues!
