About Us
Project 55's mission is to provide both financial and emotional relief to hospitalized children and their families. We create meaningful opportunities for kids to escape their stressors, and work hand in hand with our trusted partners to provide family-centered care and resources.
ABOUT PROJECT 55
It is important to us to be a source of positivity for hospitalized children and their families in the face of their health challenges. Through unique, memorable experiences, while incorporating Colton’s role as a professional hockey player, we aim to alleviate the stressors associated with hospitalization.
Thanks to our amazing partners, we are able to provide these children with experiences brought into their hospital room, as well as experiences outside the hospital doors. One event we’re truly excited about is Project 55’s Game Day Experience. We look forward to offering children the opportunity to catch a first-hand glimpse into Colton’s game day routine, including exclusive access to watch a morning skate at the Enterprise Centre, attending a Blues Home Game, and catching up with Colton postgame. As part of their experience, attendees will also receive an exclusive Project 55 t-shirt and a personalized message from Colton.
For exciting events hosted by Project 55, both in St. Louis, as well as back home in Alberta, Canada, click here.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a parent and having to watch your child go through hospital treatment.
Or to be a kid who only knows life within the confines of the hospital. My mom and sisters are all professionals in the medical field, and they see this every day. Through their stories and dedication to their patients, I saw an opportunity to also make a difference. Through the Project 55 Foundation, I want to help alleviate the burdens associated with hospitalization.
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Colton Parayko #55
About Colton Parayko
Born and raised in a family of six in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, Colton Parayko has always had a passion for connection and community. Colton’s mom and sisters, all professionals in the medical field, sparked these passions in Colton early on through their work with pediatric patients.
Colton’s hockey career took off in the northern town of Fort McMurray, Alberta. His resilience was evident as he progressed from Junior B to a scholarship at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In his final year of school, Colton was drafted by the St. Louis Blues. Not only did Colton’s dream of playing in the NHL come true, that same year, he also went on to complete his university degree. Every summer, Colton visits his alma mater where he runs a children’s hockey camp in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Colton, named the alternate captain for the 2020-21 season, has spent six years with the St. Louis Blues. Through this time, Colton has come to call Missouri’s largest city home. His love for the community deepens as he continuously fosters relationships with various charities around St. Louis. The Ronald McDonald House, as well as the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, stand out for Colton because of the connections he’s built, the stories that come from his visiting experiences, as well as his deep-rooted love of pediatric care.
Colton brings the Stanley Cup home to St. Albert, Alberta, Canada to share with his family and community.
Project 55 is proud to partner with the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis and Blues for Kids to create special moments for children and families during their stay in the hospital.
The Mission of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital is to do what is right for children and be the hallmark for pediatric care within the region, nationally and internationally.
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis is to provide, comfort, care and a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children.
Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, has a mission to positively impact programs and services that improve health and wellness of youth in the St. Louis area.
Special thanks to our incredible partners:
Charity Partners
When I think of Colton, I think about his kind heart, his thoughtfulness towards kids and the time he so generously takes from his days to put a smile on others' faces.
I will always remember when Colton visited me in the hospital. It was so special to me. I was isolated to one room with very limited visitors. He gave me a card and a puck and even made a TikTok video with me. He is what kept me together and what gave me the strength to keep pushing forward day after day. Colton has made such an impact on my life and I am forever grateful. People got a chance to hear our story and see the true friendship we share, but I am just one of many stories that involve Colton and his kindness. He has created lifetime of memories for so many children and their families. Hockey is more than just a game to Colton, it’s a way to give back. Thank you Colton for being more than just my favorite hockey player, thank you for being my best friend!
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Laila Anderson