The Toronto Star Children's Charities

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The Toronto Star Children's Charities

The Toronto Star Children’s Charities has been bringing hope and joy to kids since 1901.

08/25/2026

Summer is all about the memories we make, the green spaces we explore, and the fleeting, beautiful moments of childhood. Grab a cold drink and catch up on these stories you may have missed!

1. 'I have to stop calling this the 'last summer': How baseball taught me to embrace my son growing up' A heartfelt reflection by Laura deCarufel, editor, on the bittersweet beauty of watching our kids grow. This touching piece reminds us why every single summer of play, teamwork, and cheering from the community bleachers is a core memory in the making.

2. 'Beyond Trinity Bellwoods: 5 underrated Toronto parks and ravines for a peaceful summer escape'. Aajah Sauter, reporter, shares hidden green gems right in our own backyard where families can wander, explore, and let their curiosity run wild in the fresh air.

3. 'Childhood summers are precious: Why the Toronto Star's editor-in-chief is making this one count' A beautiful reminder by Nicole MacIntyre, Editor-in-chief, of just how fleeting and formative the sunny days of youth really are. A must-read on why ensuring every child across the GTA gets to experience the carefree joy of summer is a community tradition we must protect.

Check out the stories and learn how you can help give the gift of a memorable summer:
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities

Photo creds: The Toronto Star articles

08/18/2026

Sometimes, a single moment on the water can change the course of a lifetime. 🌊

For David Blackmore, a rescue on Lake Ontario sparked a lifelong dedication to helping kids discover the magic of nature. This story is a perfect reminder of why we do what we do.

Through The Fresh Air Fund, we see this magic every summer. When we give a child the chance to explore, we aren't just giving them a fun week away. We are planting seeds of confidence, curiosity, and joy that grow with them forever.

Read Amarachi Amadike's inspiring piece at the link below, and see how one moment of care can ripple outward for a lifetime.
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities

Photo creds: Star files/Steve Russell

08/13/2026

"It’s helped her sons grow in ways she never imagined." ✨

For one single mother in the GTA, sending her boys, who are on the autism spectrum, to camp wasn't just about giving them a summer break. It was about giving them a space to belong, explore, and build confidence.
Through the grant, Kayla's Children Centre - Camp 18 was able to welcome the two campers to a summer of fun.

Read the full article by Bianca Thompson, and learn more about their incredible journey and this wonderful camp program:
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities

Photo creds: Kayla' s Children Centre

08/11/2026

We can almost hear the splash of the lake and the crunch of hiking boots!

Thanks to you, our goal is nearly met. We just need a little more help to pack those final few backpacks and ensure no child misses out on the magic of camp.

Will you help us send these kids on the outdoor adventure of a lifetime?

It takes an average of just $123 to cover the cost of a camp subsidy.
Donate today and make a difference!
To donate, click the link below:
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities

08/06/2026

Continuing the BGC Toronto Kiwanis Summer Camp, summer camp spotlight!

BGC Toronto Kiwanis' guiding goal is simple: to ensure that every young person has access to the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

A day at BGC Toronto Kiwanis is a canvas for curiosity. Mornings are spent running through outdoor games, followed by hands-on STEM projects, arts and crafts, and sports. But the true magic of camp happens in the quiet, simple moments, a child bravely trying something new, sharing a laugh with a peer, or realizing they are capable of so much more than they imagined.

By summer’s end, campers leave with more than just happy memories; they leave with newfound confidence, deep friendships, and stories they will share long after the season changes.

The Fresh Air Fund is deeply proud to help make these experiences possible. By removing financial barriers for families across the GTA, we are investing in the boundless potential of our city's youth.

Thank you to BGC Toronto Kiwanis. We are incredibly grateful to partner with you in bringing hope, joy, and curiosity to the children of the GTA.

Learn more about BGC Toronto Kiwanis at: www.bgctk.org
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The Fresh Air Fund provides financially vulnerable children with the opportunity to attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.
To learn more about the Fresh Air Fund and to donate, go to
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities
Pictures: courtesy of BGC Toronto Kiwanis

08/05/2026

Wrapping it up on the CAMP SPOTLIGHT SERIES is BGC TORONTO KIWANIS SUMMER CAMP!

For over a century, BGC Toronto Kiwanis has been a trusted cornerstone of the community, creating safe, supportive spaces where youth can truly belong. Their Sun & Fun Summer Day Camps are designed to keep kids active, curious, and happy. Through unique weekly themes and hands-on activities, campers are given the freedom to explore, build friendships, and discover their own strengths.

This vibrant environment is brought to life by their dedicated staff and volunteers. They take on the roles of mentors and cheerleaders, gently encouraging the campers to step outside their comfort zones, creating moments of pure joy and a sense of belonging.

Behind every one of these camp experiences is an opportunity that might otherwise be out of reach. The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund helps remove financial barriers so that more children across the GTA can access these enriching summer days.

For families, it means the comfort of knowing their child is safe, seen, and celebrated. For the children, it means building confidence, resilience, and joyful memories that become a lasting part of their story.

Learn more about this incredible camp at: www.bgctk.org

Stay tuned for Part 2!
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The Fresh Air Fund provides financially vulnerable children with the opportunity to attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.
To learn more about the Fresh Air Fund and to donate, go to:
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities
Pictures: courtesy of BGC Toronto Kiwanis

07/30/2026

Continuing the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre Shelter & Housing: Nook Children's Program , summer camp spotlight!

The Nook's approach goes beyond a typical summer camp. Rooted in anti-oppression, poverty reduction, and community strength, the program is built to break down barriers and meet kids where they are.

Open to children ages 4–12, campers are grouped by age (4–5 | 6–8 | 9–12) and treated to weekly themed programming spanning arts, sports, drama, theatre, and nature, all designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

And the adventures don't stop there. Kids enjoy swimming, outdoor exploration through local parks and trails, and one-of-a-kind visits to community businesses like boxing gyms, pottery studios, and florist shops.

A huge thank you to the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre and The Nook Children’s program for their incredible commitment to making a real difference in the lives of the children and families, in their community.

Learn more at https://www.conccommunity.org/get-involved/the-nook/

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The Fresh Air Fund provides financially vulnerable children with the opportunity to attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.
To learn more about the Fresh Air Fund and to donate, go to
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities
Pictures: courtesy of Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre

07/28/2026

Next up on our CAMP SPOTLIGHT SERIES is CHRISTIE OSSINGTION NEIGHBORHOOD CENTRE: THE NOOK CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre Shelter & Housing is committed to strengthening the community by celebrating its cultural diversity, supporting children and youth, and creating safe, healthy spaces where everyone can thrive.

At the heart of that mission the Nook Children's Program Summer Camp, a low-fee program open to children and families in the community, with camp activities running out of George Chuvalo Neighbourhood Centre in the Junction. The Nook offers kids a fun, inclusive summer experience while helping families access affordable programming close to home.

This summer, thanks to the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, The Nook provided 7 families with free camp weeks and discounted spots to 12 more families, breaking down financial barriers and creating meaningful summer memories for children who might not have had the chance otherwise.

Learn more about this incredible program at https://www.conccommunity.org/get-involved/the-nook/

Stay tuned for Part 2!
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The Fresh Air Fund provides financially vulnerable children with the opportunity to attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.
To learn more about the Fresh Air Fund and to donate, go to:
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities
Pictures: courtesy of Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre

07/23/2026

Continuing our Harbourfront Centre Camps spotlight!

Not every child has access to a cottage or a traditional summer getaway. Harbourfront Centre Camps offers Toronto children something special: a genuine escape right in the heart of the city. Set on a 10-acre waterfront campus, camp connects kids to the outdoors, the lake, creativity and community in ways that are deeply rooted in childhood, growth and belonging.

A typical day here is anything but typical. Campers learn, play, create and explore through hands-on activities spanning visual and performing arts, marine and waterfront programs, recreation and more.

A heartfelt thank you to Harbourfront Centre Camps for their outstanding commitment to uplifting the youth and families in Toronto.

Learn more about this amazing organization at https://harbourfrontcentre.com/program/camps/
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The Fresh Air Fund provides financially vulnerable children with the opportunity to attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.
To learn more about the Fresh Air Fund and to donate, go to
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities
Pictures: courtesy of Harbourfront Centre Camps

07/21/2026

Next up on our CAMP SPOTLIGHT SERIES is HARBOURFRONT CENTRE CAMPS

At Harbourfront Centre, arts, culture, learning and recreation come alive on Toronto's waterfront, and nowhere is that more evident than at summer camp.

Since 1979, Harbourfront Centre Camps has been a home away from home for children and youth. This season, more than 3,000 campers will explore 20-plus programs for ages 4 to 15, from visual and performing arts to waterfront marine and specialty offerings. At the heart of it all are the dedicated camp staff, who foster an inclusive, supportive environment where every child can try something new, build friendships and thrive.

They believe every child deserves that experience. Through the support of the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, camp fees are subsidized for youth facing financial barriers. This funding helps ensure more kids can enjoy the joy, independence and sense of belonging that summer camp brings.

Learn more about this incredible program at https://harbourfrontcentre.com/program/camps/

Stay tuned for part 2!
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The Fresh Air Fund provides financially vulnerable children with the opportunity to attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.
To learn more about the Fresh Air Fund and to donate, go to:
https://linktr.ee/torontostarchildrenscharities
Pictures: courtesy of Harbourfront Centre Camps

Address

8 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, ON
M5V0S8

Telephone

+16472508282

Website

https://www.thestar.com/initiatives/santa_claus_fund.html, https://www.thestar.com/initiatives/fresh_air_fund.html, http

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