Past News Stories
$6,075 Raised to Support Kids in Muskoka!
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets to support our raffle.
11 year old Peyton raises $3,480 for kids in Muskoka
11 year-old Peyton Imrie, along with her Nana, completed her 3rd fundraiser at Christmas. Her ‘Wishlets’ sales resulted in a donation of $3480!
Donation in Memory of Kim Jackson
Casey Jacob gratefully accepts a very generous donation from Isabella Jackson on behalf the Jackson family in memory of her mother, Kim Jackson (nee Mochula). Kim was a Huntsville native, and passionate educator who led a life dedicated to nurturing, mentoring teaching and supporting children of all ages. Her family describes her as a beautiful soul, yoga instructor and spiritual being who loved to travel, especially to Mexico.
This donation will go a long way to ensuring Muskoka kids have access to activities and opportunities that they may otherwise not be able to access. Thank you to the Jackson family for your generosity and for choosing the CFM to help to carry on Kim's legacy of advocating for all children.
Motion Rehab Solutions Support the CFM
Casey Jacob, Executive Director of the CFM gratefully accepts a $1000.00 donation from Motion Rehab Solutions. Motion's new location in Bracebridge provides accessibility solutions for all ages with a special focus on pediatric solutions. The CFM is most appreciative of Motion's generous donation and ongoing community partnership!
ProActive Rehab Supporting the CFM
The CFM would like to give a big shout out to one of our long time local community partners, ProActive Rehab for yet another recent generous donation. Leslie Tempest, the owner of ProActive held a fun winter version of Muskoka's Incredible Race as a staff team building event and very generously donated all of the proceeds raised to the Children's Foundation. Leslie presented the CFM with $860 which will go toward providing ongoing opportunities for Muskoka kids. Thanks to ProActive Rehab for their ongoing support!
9 Year Old Peyton Imrie - Making an Impact on Muskoka's Youth
While many people talk about making a difference, 9 year old Peyton Imrie is making a difference for the children of Muskoka. Peyton, a student at Monck Public School, made and sold "wishlet" bracelets to raise money for the CFM this holiday season. She raised an amazing $1390.00!! This money will be used to help kids her age access programs and have experiences they would not normally be able to.
Peyton, we at the CFM are very thankful for your donation, but are even more impressed by your empathy and the outstanding example you set for all people in our community.
Peyton is shown here proudly presenting her donation to Casey Jacob from the CFM along with her grandmother Mary Butt.
Members of the RE/MAX North group are seen here presenting a cheque for $500 to Dan Gardiner CFM board member.
The CFM would like to thank the professionals at RE/MAX North for their donation. At this time of year many families struggle to balance paying for the rising cost of utilities, Christmas and children's programming. This donation will go a long way to helping kids begin taking skating lessons, continues music lessons or get a new bed that fits them as they continue to grow.
Annex Show and Shop donates $3500
The Annex held their annual art show/shop on November 20-21. This was a terrific opportunity to learn about available classes, workshops and purchase amazing pieces from local artists in the area. The Annex generously donated proceeds from their event to the CFM!!
If you are interested in learning more about the Annex click on the visual below.
Annex Wendy Nicholson seen here presenting a cheque for $3500 to Jen Smith CFM board member.
Casey Jacob, Executive Director of the Children's Foundation of Muskoka gratefully accepts a cheque from the Muskoka Community Foundation, on behalf of the Dara Howell Fund. This generous donation will be directed to supporting girls in sport through grant applications to the CFM. A big thanks to Dara and the Muskoka Community Foundation, and we look forward to continuing to partner with you in the future!
Enbridge Gas Provides a Grant of $2000 to the CFM
Enbridge Gas has Fuelling Futures grant available to charities and community groups. Their goal is to work (t)ogether to energize communities through initiatives that strengthen community safety, vibrancy and sustainability. Enbridge is proud to support local priorities that make positive and lasting impacts in our communities."
We are please to use this grant to help support children in Muskoka to follow their passions and improve their community.
Tony Rizzuto pictured here with new CFM board member Julie Medley.
Tony Rizzuto donates over $22,000 to the TLC Campership Fund
Once again Tony Rizzuto and friends have made a large donation to the TLC Campership Fund. This fund was created by the Rizzuto family in 2019 to provide children who may not otherwise have the opportunity, a chance to attend summer residential and day camp programs.
In those three years, the TLC Campership Fund has helped send over 140 kids to camp by contributing over $44,000. The CFM is very appreciative of the generosity shown by the Rizzuto family and friends which assists us in providing healthy and active camp opportunities for Muskoka's kids.
What makes this donation even more incredible is that it has happened during the Covid-19 pandemic. While many camps have been closed, the need for opportunities for kids has not disappeared but is in fact now more important than ever.
If you are interested in donating to the Toni Lynn's Campers Campership fund, click on the logo and, when asked which fund you would like to donate to choose the campership fund.
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.
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.
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.
National Bank Altamira Foundation Donates $1000 to the CFM!
Franceska Downes, of the National Bank in Gravenhurst, is seen here presenting the CFM with a $1,000 donation. During this time of physical distancing and community shutdowns, it is critical to meet the needs of all Muskoka's youth. Thank you National Bank for helping us help kids!
2021 Summer Raffle Winners
Ticket #168 Brian Thompson
Ticket #49 Marie Evans
Ticket #12 Liz Farrell
Ticket #381 Cassandra Carter
Ticket #386 Sean Scammell
CFM proud to donate $1,270 to TLDSB Feed ALL 4 Fund in honour of Deborah Niemi
Director of Education Wes Hahn welcomed the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka Executive Director Dave Lyons and President Cheryl Cooper, recognizing the good work that takes place for students and their families in the District of Muskoka. Cooper shared her history with the foundation and the growth of impact in the Muskoka area since the Children’s Foundation’s inception several years ago. The Foundation relies on community donations to provide funding based on unique needs of children. This support varies from arts or sports fees to car seats, strollers, cribs, to camp attendance, clothing, bikes, and even beds. A $1,270 contribution to the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) Feed All Four Fund will be made in honour of Deborah Niemi, a former teacher in the Board. Lyons told trustees that the TLDSB Feed All Four Fund is a demonstration of deep care and compassion for children, something that would have resonated for Deborah. The Children’s Foundation of Muskoka is grateful for the assistance TLDSB is providing to families in need.
Rizzuto Family
Men of Grandview
Childrens Foundation Video
December 1st, 2020
A Hard Gala's Night Raises $3000 for the CFM!
Thank you to everyone who supported our 'A Hard Gala's Night' fundraiser. We could not do the work we do without your help.
A special congratulation to Meagan Landry the winner of the 2021 VIP Children's Foundation Gala Package. We appreciate Muskoka Dance Connections continued support over the years.
August 24, 2020
David McLean, owner of Soapstones Natural Skin Care (a Canadian-based natural skincare company) presents Dave Lyons (executive director of the CFM) with a check for $2,500. This incredible donation will go a long way to supporting children in Muskoka during these challenging times.
Thank you Soapstones for helping to promote healthy living in Muskoka!
Click here to see the winners drawn for the 1st Annual CFM Raffle.
RESULTS OF THE RAFFLE
Ticket #7 - Lauri Coulson
Ticket #119 - Lori Lippert
Ticket #313 - Val Newlands
Rotary Club of North Muskoka Donates $750 to the George Corn Memorial Fund for Hockey
A big thanks to the Rotary Club of North Muskoka who so kindly donated $750 to our George Corn Memorial Fund for Hockey. That's nearly 2 more children that we can support with funding for registration and equipment to be healthy and active in hockey next year! The GCMF partners and the CFM are so grateful for your support.
January, 2020
Over the Christmas holiday, Tiggs for Him and Her sold these incredible Fun Hats to support the children of Muskoka. They raised $280 which has been donated to our general children's fund. We at the foundation thanks Tiggs for their ongoing support and hope the people of Muskoka who received the hats love them as much as Tiggs did selling them!
BMLSS HUB Class Donates $1000
January, 2020
The HUB class at BMLSS raised a $1000 at their garage sale and silent auction in the fall. They have generously donated that money to the Children's Foundation of Muskoka to help support kids. What an amazing group of high school student, we can't thank them enough for their generosity!
Muskoka Fall In-Water Boat Show @ SWS Boatworks on Lake Rosseau
September 21, 2019
Thanks to Val and Geordie Newlands of SWS Marina for their contribution to the CFM through a silent auction and the proceeds from the BBQ. What a great day and a great community partner!
Muskoka Thunder Motorcycle Riders donate $7300
September 11th, 2019
A great big THANK YOU to the Muskoka Thunder Motorcycle Riders for their donation of $7300 to the Foundation. We are truly honoured that this group believes in what we do and continues to support children in Muskoka through their weekly bike nights.
Rotary Club of Huntsville donates $250 towards George Corn Memorial Fund for Hockey
September 6, 2019
The Rotary Club of Huntsville kindly donated $250 towards the George Corn Memorial Fund for Hockey. This generous donation helped the foundation with equipping and registering 20 children from Muskoka in hockey for each of the next three years.
The Mike Fountain Muskoka Summer Hockey School Raises $5200 For The CFM
September, 2019
Mike Fountain's Muskoka Summer Hockey School runs annually during the first two weeks in August at the Graeme Murray Arena in Gravenhurst. During the two weeks, we host two silent auctions at the arena. We have donations from the NHL, NHLPA, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and local businesses.
Over the past 4 years, they have raised $18,279.00 for Jumpstart and the CFM. This year the school raised $5200 for the Children's Foundation of Muskoka. We at the foundation can't thank you enough for your continued support.
20 Children Playing Hockey Thanks to George Corn Memorial Fund for Hockey
August 31, 2019
Created in honour of George Corn, a former Bracebridge resident and Rotarian, the CFM in partnership with the Huntsville Minor Hockey Association, the South Muskoka Minor Hockey Association and the Muskoka Rock Minor Hockey Association
The foundation would like to thank Ian McEwen, Ron Doty and Kevin Smith (local owners of Canadian Tire Stores) for outfitting our new hockey players. We would also like to recognize and thank Jack Fleming, Alan Bromstein, and Brywn Perera, George's close friends and family, for their vision and ongoing support for this initiative.
Toni Lynn's Campers Fund Helps Send 95 Kids in Muskoka to Camp!
August 31, 2019
We are so pleased to announce that in our first year of this initiative, we have approved funding for 95 children to attend a camp in Muskoka. That means 95 kids will have the opportunity to hike, paddle, swim, make camp crafts, learn leadership skills, roast marshmallows, swat mosquito's and have the time of their lives!
Tony Rizzuto Annual Golf Tournament for Charity Raises $28 600
The Tony Rizzuto Charity Golf Tournament was held at the Muskoka Bay Golf Club in July. It was a beautiful day with an exceptional turn out. Proceeds from the day were again donated to the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka. Over the years, the Rizzuto family has raised over a 1/4 of a million dollars for the Foundation - this is an incredible support that we are so grateful for
19th Annual Gala Raises Over $26,000 For Muskoka Kids!
On Saturday November 2nd, 2019, the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka held its 19th annual gala at the JW Marriott The Rosseau in Minett. Over 200 people gathered to celebrate and support kids in Muskoka. With the support of nearly 60 sponsors and Friends of the Foundation, we were able to RAISE $26 050 to support our vision of creating an equitable Muskoka where all children have access to the opportunities and supports they need to be happy, healthy and feel a sense of belonging. We are so grateful to all our very generous guests and local businesses that made this happen. A big thanks goes to Karen and the staff at the JW Marriott for their exemplary service. This has become a well-loved date on the Muskoka calendar which is in large part due to the care and quality of hospitality provided at the Marriott.
Check out all sponsors and Friends under the ‘About Us’ link (go to ‘Friends and Supporters’).
Muskoka Kids Tri - $850 Donation
July 20, 2019
The Muskoka Kids Triathlon is a swim-bike-run fun challenge that was held on July 20, 2019. It was very inspiring to see so many kids, young and old, participating in this event. We are very grateful to be the recipient of donations this year!
Bikefest 2019
The 6th annual TLDSB Bikefest was held again at Buckwallow this past June. 35 lucky kids from across Muskoka attended and participated in workshops such as trail riding, bike safety and bike maintenance - with each child receiving a new mountain bike and helmet at the conclusion of the program! A big thanks to our great community partners in TLDSB, Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, Buckwallow Cycling Centre, the Spruce Hill Riding team, and the OPP for working with us to make this happen!
BMLSS HUB Class Supporting the CFM!
March 25, 2019
The HUB class at BMLSS has donated $700 from their projects to Children's Foundation of Muskoka. This money will be used to provide children across our district with the opportunity to join clubs, activities and programs. It is inspiring to see older students in our community supporting all children. Thank you so much for your hard work!
Bracebridge Lions Club's Generous Donation
March 25, 2019
We would like to offer a BIG thank you to the Bracebridge Lion Club for their donation of $1000 to the CFM. This donation will be put to good use supporting our new send a kid to summer camp campaign!
January 24, 2019
Kids Sunday School Group Cook Up Great Community Lasagna and CFM Donation!
Armed with herbs and tomatoes from their church garden, the kids from Bethune United Church in Baysville recently prepared and served a wonderful community lasagna supper. Not only did the lasagna receive stellar reviews but it resulted in a $250 donation to the Children's Foundation of Muskoka. What a great example of kids helping kids. We're so grateful for this kind and hard earned donation. Thanks to all involved at Bethune United!
January 14, 2019
A big thanks to Lucas Shelton and our friends at C.C. Tatham & Associates for the very generous donation of nearly a $1000 from their 50/50 draw courtesy of their company Christmas party! Much appreciated!
December 18, 2018
Edith White presents a $1000 cheque to Dave Lyons of Children's Foundation of Muskoka. The donation comes from the proceeds raised from the sale of their book, “At Your Age?”
The book is a collection of short stories and poems from the residents of Castle Peak Retirement Residence located in Bracebridge Ontario. It is heartwarming to see all of the efforts of this amazing group of seniors continuing to give back to all member of our community.
We at the CFM are in awe of you!
December 18, 2018
Andy Zeltkalns, Ellen Yeo and the students of Monck PS present $2500 cheque to DL of CFM from proceeds raised from this years’ Muskoka Mud Run. The run was held on Friday October 12th, 2018 at Morrison Meadows in Bracebridge.
This year, the run attracted over 1000 kids in grades 3-8 from across the province. This is the 8th year that proceeds from the Mud Run have supported the CFM for a total of over $10 000 - the CFM greatly appreciates this on-going support from a ‘Hall of Fame’ donor!
December 18, 2018
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between the CFM and ProActive Rehab in Huntsville, Ontario. For every assessment made on a monthly basis, ProActive Rehab will donate $1. What a great way to get kids active and healthy in Muskoka! As of early winter, that's the equivalent of 43 swimming lessons!
We appreciate this generous monthly donation - to find out how your organization can support the CFM in this manner to support the kids who need it most, contact Dave at davelyons.cfm@gmail.com
Tony and Dianne Rizutto have donated an outstanding $230,000 to the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka. Over the past nine years, they have hosted a summer golf tournament at The Muskoka Bay Club for their friends and colleagues. Recalling his own humble beginnings, Tony has long understood that when a family has paid its bills, there is often no money left over for their children to play soccer or hockey, take ballet lessons or go to summer camp.
December 11, 2018
Muskoka Chrysler has been a generous supporter of children in Muskoka. We would like to thank them for their $10,000 donation. This donation has been used to send kids to camp, purchase bikes, pay for swim lessons and ensure that the youth in our community grow up with healthy opportunities and wonderful memories.
November, 29, 2018
Owner and Developer, Nora Heuer, has been a long time supporter of the Children's Foundation of Muskoka. Her donation is responsible for the foundations first ever online presence and the transition to our NEW website.
We would like to thank everyone who helped to make the 18th Annual Children's Foundation of Muskoka a great success. Please check back soon to see how much money was raised to support children in Muskoka.
October 1, 2018
Yet another business is supporting the children of Muskoka to make active healthy lifestyle choices. The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst and Huntsville will be making a donation to the CFM for every bike 'tune up' they perform. They are also a proud supporter of 'Bikefest' - our annual mountain bike event in June.