OLIVIA ROURKE FOUNDATION

OWEN SOUND, ON — In a tribute to the life and legacy of 17-year-old Olivia Rourke, two major charitable donations have been made to support cancer care and research in her honour.
The donations come as a result of the overwhelming success of the Hoops for Hope 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser, an event Olivia had begun organizing before she was tragically killed in a car accident on May 23, 2025, alongside three of her softball teammates and their coach. The tournament was conceived by Olivia to raise funds for breast cancer research, inspired by her mother’s diagnosis in 2023.
Determined to see Olivia’s vision realized, staff at Walkerton District Community School and volunteers from the surrounding community stepped up to host the tournament in
her memory on June 7, 2025. Over 40 teams and 160 athletes participated, joined by generous donors, sponsors, and local businesses.
Thanks to this tremendous outpouring of support, the event raised significant funds that have now been donated to:
Brightshores Health System – Owen Sound Cancer Centre, where Olivia’s mother received exceptional, compassionate care throughout her breast cancer treatment.
The Canadian Cancer Society, to further research and prevention efforts nationwide.
“These donations represent Olivia’s love for her family and her desire to make the world better for others,” said a family spokesperson.
"We are deeply honoured by this incredibly generous gift made in memory of Olivia Rourke, whose life continues to make a lasting difference," said Beth Morris, Brightshores VP Clinical Programs & Quality, Chief Nursing Executive. "This donation to support cancer care is a powerful tribute to her spirit, compassion, and the love her family and community continue to carry forward in her name. We are humbled by their strength and generosity during such a difficult time.”
“We are honoured to be chosen as the recipient of the Olivia Rourke Foundation gift to support Breast cancer researcher through the Canadian Cancer Society. The funds donated from her foundation will support the Canadian Cancer Society’s mission, championing world-leading outcomes in cancer research, prevention, treatment, and support. Olivia’s memory will live on through the foundation created in her name by
supporting the causes she was so passionate about,” said Canadian Cancer Society Representative Allison Taylor-Misener. The Rourke family and organizing team extend their heartfelt thanks to every individual and organization who contributed to this effort. These donations are the first in what will be an ongoing effort to carry forward Olivia’s generous spirit and desire to give back. Some funds from the fundraiser were also used to establish the Olivia Rourke Foundation—a charitable initiative dedicated to continuing Olivia’s legacy of
compassion, leadership, and service. The foundation will focus on supporting youth-led community initiatives, advancing women in sport, and funding cancer-related charities and research, causes that Olivia believed in.