Helping support new mothers, their babies and the extraordinary work at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Supporting Mothers of Sinai was founded by Nicole Nashman and Mika Agid, two Toronto high-school students who wanted meaningful ways to give back to Mount Sinai Hospital and the families it serves. Throughout high school, Nicole, Mika and their friends supported Sinai through hands-on volunteer initiatives, fundraising events and community outreach. Mount Sinai's Centre for Women's and Infants' Health is Canada's largest academic centre for women's health. Mount Sinai oversees more than 7,000 births each year, including approximately 1,100 premature deliveries, and specializes in high-risk pregnancies and care for vulnerable newborns. Scroll down to see some of the ways Nicole, Mika and their friends have supported Sinai.

01 - NEW MOTHERS

Bringing a Little Extra Care to New Mothers

Thoughtful Gift Baskets

During 2026, Nicole and Mika used $1,500—a small portion of the money they raised—to create 21 care baskets for new mothers at Mount Sinai Hospital’s birthing unit. Each basket included an Aveeno Baby gift set with soap and lotion for sensitive skin, a baby bottle, two pacifiers, a plush toy, and a Frida Baby nasal aspirator for stuffy noses. After contacting the birthing unit directly, they coordinated with hospital staff, who distributed the baskets to new mothers. Nicole and Mika hope to continue this meaningful tradition and provide even more support to mothers and babies in the years ahead.

02 - COMMUNITY

Community Outreach for Sinai Annual fundraising Gala

Each year, Mount Sinai Hospital hosts major fundraising events, including the Sinai Showdown, to support costs beyond government funding. These events raise approximately $700,000 to $1,000,000 for patient care, medical equipment, hospital improvements, and research into cancer, women’s health, diabetes, and other illnesses.

For Mount Sinai’s 2024 Gala of the Century and the 2025 Sinai Showdown, Nicole and Mika went door-to-door distributing brochures, explaining the event’s impact, and encouraging people to purchase tickets. They also promoted their Mothers of Sinai Fundraiser, which supports the hospital’s birthing unit and provides care baskets for new mothers. Through their outreach, they recruited approximately 15 new attendees, increasing awareness, ticket sales, and donations for the hospital.

Gala of the Century

In September 2024, Sinai Health Foundation held the Gala of the Century to celebrate Mount Sinai Hospital's 100th anniversary. More than 1,800 guests gathered at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hosted by Martin Short and featuring Michael Bublé, raising a record $12.5 million for Sinai Health's highest-priority needs. This event exemplifies the profound impact of community support.

03 - RESEARCH

Raising Funds for Medical Discovery

Raptors for Research

Research That Changes Lives

Nicole and Mika volunteered in support of Raptors for Research, a Sinai Health Foundation initiative in partnership with the Toronto Raptors. This one-day 3-on-3 basketball tournament raises funds for Sinai Health's Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI). In 2026, it marked its fourth annual tournament, bringing together players, fans, families, and supporters.

LTRI's work spans cancer, diabetes, women's and infants' health, neurodevelopment, regenerative medicine, genetics, and other complex diseases. The institute comprises approximately 130 scientists and clinician-scientists, 250 research trainees, and 450 technical and administrative staff, with an annual research budget of approximately $91 million.

04 - FAMILY

Generations of Support

Nicole's family has a longstanding relationship with Mount Sinai and has supported its mission of compassionate care, research, education, and innovation. Mount Sinai has provided care for mothers and babies since its earliest years, with internationally recognized Women's and Infants' Health, high-risk maternal, fetal, and neonatal care, and ongoing research.

Nicole is proud to see the Mark & Natty Nashman family name above the hospital's main entrance, a reminder of her family's enduring commitment to Sinai and giving back to the community.

Small acts can make a meaningful difference.

Supporting Mothers of Sinai

Supporting mothers. Supporting babies. Supporting Sinai.