Kids Mingle With Leafs Greats

Nearly 300 children from the Thames Valley Children's Centre and a dozen celebrity athletes came together for a day of fun and inspiration.

The We're All Stars Celebration was held Tuesday ahead of the Rogers Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction at the Metroland Media Agriplex.

Kids enjoyed a pizza lunch and an awards ceremony before getting the chance to rub shoulders will former Toronto Maple Leafs captains Doug Gilmour, Darryl Sittler, and Rick Vaive, as well as London Decathlete Damian Warner, London Knights Mitch Marner and Christian Dvorak, and TVCC Ambassador Sam Denton.

Cole Martin and his mother were among those in attendance. Martin didn't have to think twice when asked what his favourite part of the day was.

"Getting to see all of the stars, getting to meet all the athletes. It's cool to know that they appreciate all of the support. It's inspirational that they take the time to talk with people," says Martin. "It's pretty nice to get out of school too."

Martin's favourite star encounter was with Darryl Sittler.

"We have family friends that use to drive him to hockey practice when he was younger. I'll cherish my photo with him."

For Sittler the day was also a special one.

"It's always nice to come back to London. I played junior hockey here, my late wife, Wendy, of 30 years was from London, still have lots of friends here and when I come back I feel welcome," says Sittler. "I haven't played the game in a long time, retired in 1985 but it's still nice to be asked for an autograph or a picture."

Whenever Sittler encounters young kids he says he has the same piece of advice.

"Every day you have a choice when you get up on how you're going to live that day, if you're going to make yourself a better student or a better player. It's those little things you do day in and day out over a long period of time that will get you to that goal or dream that you want. The other thing is listen to your mom and dad and listen to your teachers."

All of the proceeds from the Rogers Sports Celebrity Dinner go to the Thames Valley Children’s Centre.

London Knight Christian Dvorak signs autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

London Decathlete Damian Warner signs autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Doug Gilmour signs autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Rick Vaive signs autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Darryl Sittler signs autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

Cole Martin gets Rick Vaive's autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

London Knight Mitch Marner signs autographs at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.

Rick Vaive, Doug Gilmour, Christine Simpson, Sam Denton, Darryl Sittler and Damian Warner at the We're All Stars Celebration in London, February 23, 2016. Photo by Miranda Chant.