My team
My Story
My story with camp is a very personal one. When my niece, Emily, was 4 years old she was diagnosed with cancer. I had already been volunteering for a few years at this point so I had a strong understanding of what she was going to go through. Looking back, I had no idea the trauma and suffering a little girl could be subject to. Luckily, Emily got through it and has been cancer free for years now!
During her time at Sick Kids, she went through some terrible times and endured so much pain that it is hard to think back on it. The first smile we saw in the hospital was when a Campfire Circle staff member came into her room and did some crafts with her...my sister cried when she saw this.
Emily made it through the treatment physically but emotionally was another story altogether. This little girl associated all the new adults in her life with the pain and suffering of cancer treatment. Emily developed selective mutism - she would not speak to any adult outside of our family and would just clutch onto my sister's leg whenever she was anywhere outside of the house.
We started going to Campfire Circle events and my sister would sit with her while she participated in the events..and she actually was having fun and smiling sometimes. Then at one event, my family walked in and my sister looked down to her leg expecting Emily to be clutching onto it....and she wasn't there. She was with a group of kids running around and having fun. For the first time, Emily felt safe outside of her house. Campfire circle was her safe place.
Sick Kids cured her cancer, but Campfire Circle cured her soul!
Description
Help bring joy and laughter to kids affected by cancer or serious illness
A diagnosis of childhood cancer or serious illness changes life in an instant. For kids and families, their schedule suddenly revolves around medical appointments and hospital stays, with long absences from school. There is no time for simple joys like friendships, birthday parties or sport activities.
Campfire Circle is passionate about helping kids to just be kids, once again. By supporting their in-hospital, community and overnight camp programs, you will help bring joy and laughter to kids and families during their most challenging times, at no cost to them.
As part of the Campfire Circle community, you are helping to create opportunities year-round for kids to build friendships and social skills, develop self-confidence and resiliency, and improve their overall wellbeing.
More than a thousand kids were diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic—the need is greater now more than ever. Your support ensures that Campfire Circle’s critical camp-inspired programs will reach even more kids and families across Ontario. Your gift makes life-changing experiences possible.
Thank you for helping to build a world where children thrive and families heal.
Achievements
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 14 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 30 | Laura Potts | $107.91 |
| Apr 27 | Ewart | $107.91 |
| Apr 27 | Jenn Couperthwaite | $27.41 |
| Apr 27 | Deborah Potts | $500.00 |
| Apr 26 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 26 | PINNRZ™ | $533.90 |
| Apr 26 | Mike elkin | $11.30 |
| Apr 10 | 2023 Masters Pool | $573.94 |
| Apr 05 | Murray & Maria Potts | $268.93 |
