Thank you Dave! Best wishes from the CFM.
September 2021
Message from the Executive Director
Hi everyone,
It’s nearly fall and kids are back in school, routines are falling back in place, and the Children’s Foundation is fully ramped up, working hard to meet all the applications that arrive at this time of year. We are pleased with the number of varied applications that have come to us this month. It is especially significant this year as so many children missed their activities and opportunities that are so important to them. So here’s hoping we are able to keep Covid in check and kids can keep on playing!
We had a great summer raffle this year with some wonderful prizes (thanks again to all our friends who so generously donated). We were able to raise over $10 000 in ticket sales and donations! Many other significant donations were made over the summer (see our website below), and for this we are so grateful.
Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty surrounding restrictions due to Covid, we will have to hold off hosting our 20th annual gala once again. The Board promises that when it does return, it will be bigger and better than ever!! Stay tuned for further details.
In lieu of our gala, we will once again be holding a pre-christmas raffle to try to offset the losses of our largest fundraising event. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, check your inbox, and listen to the radio for further details! It promises to be fabulous once again.
Finally, it is with mixed feelings that I wanted to let you know that I have resigned from the Children’s Foundation. After 5 years on the Board of Directors and 3 years as the Executive Director, I felt it was time to take on some new adventures in life. It has been such an honour working with such a wonderful Board and staff, and a great privilege to have served the children and families of Muskoka. I am so proud of this organization and the impact it makes across the community. I have constantly marvelled at the dedicated folks and businesses who selflessly gave their time and donations in order that the kids who needest us most knew we were there for them.
The good news is that there is a wonderful individual excited and ready to take on the E.D. position! I am proud to announce that Casey Jacob will be jumping in at the end of the month. She comes with a wealth of experience and the leadership skills necessary to continue to grow the Foundation.
A big thank you as well, to all of you, who made this such a wonderful experience. We couldn’t have accomplished what we did without you. I will carry with me wonderful memories and friendships of my time spent at the CFM.
All the best in the weeks and months ahead. Stay well and thanks for being there for us.
Take care,
Dave Lyons.
ProActive Rehab: Supporting the CFM for 3 years!
Three years ago, ProActive Rehab (in Huntsville) approached the Children's Foundation of Muskoka looking for a way to support children in Muskoka, just as they support their clients. The amazing team at Proactive has been donating $1 from every assessment to the CFM. Their generosity has directly resulted in kids going to camp, taking dance lessons, the purchasing of beds and so much more.
The CFM board would like to personally thank and recognize ProActive Rehab for being a long time supporter. Knowing that support continues to be there each month, helps us to continue to provide opportunities for many of our most vulnerable children.
Dave Smith, a big supporter of children in Muskoka!!
Local realtor and businessman Dave Smith recently made good on his commitment to donate a portion of his commission to the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka. The property recently sold was one owned by Foundation President, Cheryl Cooper, and Smith wanted to use the sale to highlight how important it is right now to support our local charities. Smith himself, who is also a Director of the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, sees and understands first-hand the annual needs of these charities, which are incredibly important and vital to the Muskoka community, but have struggled to raise funds, given the restrictions of the Covid environment.
Gravenhurst IDA Donates $300 to the CFM.
The Gravenhurst IDA recently ran a window heart fundraiser. They graciously donated the proceeds of the campaign to the CFM. Everyone at the CFM would like to thank both IDA and the people of Gravenhurst for supporting youth in their community.
A New Partnership is born with the Live Like Len Foundation!
The Children’s Foundation of Muskoka (CFM) is so pleased and proud to announce a wonderful new partnership with the Live Like Len Foundation. The Foundation was established by Len’s wife, Anissa, whose purpose is to raise funds for individuals who ‘Live Like Len’. Len Elphick was an educator, an outdoorsman, an optimist, a loving husband and brother, and a friend to many around the world. Sadly, the world lost Len in 2015 at the age of 48 after losing his battle with cancer. We at the Children’s Foundation are so pleased to now call Len a friend of the CFM.
Through Anissa and the Live Like Len Foundation, the CFM has established a Live Like Len Fund. The fund will support kids in Muskoka living in poverty to live happy, healthy lives and who embody the spirit and passion in outdoor pursuits that would have made Len proud. We at the CFM are so pleased and grateful to be able to offer these opportunities to Muskoka kids. Further details to follow.
The CFM offers post secondary funding through the generosity of the Onaway Pond Foundation.
For more information and an application, click on the button below.
Our Mission:
To help create an equitable Muskoka where all children have access to the opportunities and supports they need to be happy, healthy, and feel sense of belonging.
The Children's Foundation of Muskoka is an independent, non-profit organization formed in 1989 by volunteers in Muskoka. CFM raises funds in our local community, in partnership with individuals, businesses, and service organizations.
Through our community partnerships, we are able to help children and families in practical ways when no other help is available. We provide funds to meet the recreational, cultural, and emotional needs of the children we serve. Our grants provide children in Muskoka the opportunities to grow and develop.
As a Foundation, we believe:
in the creation of a community where equality of opportunity is offered to all children;
that we must be proactive in enabling the community to respond to the needs of children;
in helping children and families in situations where other resources are not available;
that all grant decisions that are made will be based exclusively on the needs of the children involved;
that we must encourage the deployment of volunteers and 'Friends of the Foundation' to assist our efforts.
The Children’s Foundation of Muskoka (CFM) does not assume any liability from the use of this website or from any of the information that has been provided to you. Each activity, camp, or service has its own potential hazards, which need to be evaluated by the parent or legal guardian for each child. The information about providers and services contained on this website does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the CFM. By using the information, you recognize the foregoing and you agree to hold us harmless from any liability resulting from the use of this information. We make no express or implied representations or warranties of any kind with respect to any of the content, programs, services or information offered on the childrenofmuskoka.com website.