kade foster

Canada wishes Kade Foster a happy 11th birthday after kids no-show for his party

An 11-year-old Canadian boy is the toast of Twitter today as athletes, actors and politicians from across the country (and beyond) send him public birthday wishes.

Jason Foster of Corner Brook, N.L., took to the social media platform on Saturday night with a simple plea for his son, who was ghosted by everyone at his 11th birthday party.

"My son Kade had his 11th birthday party last night. None of his invited friends came. That hurt," wrote Foster, linking to a photo of young Kade standing behind an untouched Toronto Maple Leafs cake.

"I'm asking my Twitter friends to show him some love today. If you have a minute, please send him a birthday wish."

Foster tagged Toronto Maple Leafs stars Mitch Marner and John Tavares in the tweet, as well as the team's official handle.

Just over six hours later, both Marner and Tavares responded enthusiastically, hinting at a "surprise gift" that was being sent to young Kade.

"Happy 11th Birthday Kade! All your friends on the team look forward to celebrating with you," wrote 29-year-old Tavares, who was just recently named the NHL team's new captain. "I'm hearing it's going to be quite the surprise."

"Wanted to wish my friend Kade a Happy 11th Birthday!" tweeted Marner similarly. "Your friends from the Maple Leafs have a surprise gift coming your way!"

Thousands of Maple Leafs fans joined in on wishing Kade a happy birthday, some of them more famous than others.

"Happy 11th birthday, Kade!" wrote Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in response to the post.

"Kade I don't play hockey at all but Happy Birthday man!" responded American actor Ben Stiller.

By Monday morning, Foster's original tweet had been liked more than 125,000 times.

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., Toronto Maple Leaf Morgan Rielly, comedy icon Colin Mochrie, Toronto Mayor John Tory, actress Morgan Fairchild and Dog The Bounty Hunter are just a few of the other high-profile figures who've wished Kade a happy birthday on Twitter over the past 24 hours.

Canadian broadcasting legend Peter Mansbridge offered up a special present of his own to the 11-year-old hockey fan.

"Happy belated Birthday Kade!" he tweeted. "If you come to Toronto you can have my tickets for a Leafs game bday present!"

The Foster family is simply floored by the outpouring of love and support for Kade.

"We can't comprehend what has happened today," wrote the boy's dad in a follow-up tweet on Sunday afternoon.

"Kade and the rest of us are just amazed. To EVERYONE who sent Kade a message — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. He is an amazing son and he will never forget this day."

Now, Kade's many new online fans await with baited breath to see what, exactly, the Toronto Maple Leafs have planned for his special birthday surprise.

Lead photo by

Jason Foster


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