Children's Aid Foundation of Canada

Children's Aid Foundation of Canada Canada's leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of youth in the child welfare system.

We’re proud to introduce our newest cookbook: More Than Meals: Stories and Recipes of Youth From Child Welfare!Three yea...
06/10/2026

We’re proud to introduce our newest cookbook: More Than Meals: Stories and Recipes of Youth From Child Welfare!

Three years after A Safe Plate, we’re back with a new collection that goes far beyond food.

This book features the voices of four incredible young co-authors, Natasha, Chantal, Michelle, and Jae, who share how cooking became a source of strength, care, and resilience while navigating the child welfare system.

🥦Natasha shares her "Broc-Fu," a recipe that gave her independence while navigating food insecurity at 16.
🍌 Chantal offers her Easy-Peasy Chocolate Banana Loaf, a ritual of self-care and a way to bond with her "found family."
🍞Michelle makes Jamaican Fried Chicken and Caribbean-Inspired Banana Bread, as a tribute to the language of care she learned from her grandmother.
🌶️Jae serves up a Warm Chili, a dish that provided a sense of control and grounding during a childhood in foster care.

This isn’t just a cookbook. It’s an invitation for Canadians to better understand child welfare through something that connects us all — food.

Download More Than Meals now: https://bit.ly/4v19VYF

As James Newman runs across Canada, every step he takes creates more opportunities for youth in and from care to make me...
06/06/2026

As James Newman runs across Canada, every step he takes creates more opportunities for youth in and from care to make meaningful steps of their own: staying in school, graduating, and pursuing post-secondary education.

At Children's Aid Foundation of Canada, we're working alongside donors, partners, and lived experts who are passionate about improving outcomes for young people, making those journeys possible through tutoring, mentorship, and scholarships that build pathways to post-secondary education and brighter futures.

Last year alone, our Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Program awarded more than $2 million to 588 students across Canada. Since the program began, the incredible generosity of our donors has helped us invest $26.5 million in the educational journeys of 8,758 young people from care.

Today, James has already raised more than $117,000 to help even more young people pursue their educational dreams. His determination and belief in the potential of young people are helping create opportunities that will last a lifetime.

Every step matters. Every milestone should be celebrated. And every young person deserves the chance to pursue their aspirations.

This National Higher Education Day, we're celebrating the steps that lead to learning, growth, and possibility.

Go, James, go! Canada is cheering you on every step of the way.

Every milestone matters. Every step forward deserves to be celebrated. It’s Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario an...
05/14/2026

Every milestone matters. Every step forward deserves to be celebrated.

It’s Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario and we’re proud to join the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and partners across the province in continuing the campaign by celebrating the of children and youth in and from care.

A little win can look like passing a test, learning to cook a meal, making a new friend, or simply getting through a hard day. These moments may seem small to some, but for many young people, they represent growth, courage, and hope.

At Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, we believe every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated, not just for where they end up, but for every step it takes to get there.

Join us in recognizing the strength of children and youth in and from care across Ontario. Let’s remind young people that their are worth celebrating.

What does it take to run across Canada?Drive. Relentless ambition, probably more than a few pairs of running shoes, and ...
05/07/2026

What does it take to run across Canada?

Drive. Relentless ambition, probably more than a few pairs of running shoes, and a deep belief that one person can make a meaningful difference with each step.

That’s exactly what’s fuelling as he sets out to raise $250,000 in support of scholarships for young people with lived experience in care.

This journey is about expanding access to post-secondary education and supporting more young people on their journey to build the futures they deserve.

Our Team at CAFC is humbled to have people like James so deeply committed to this mission; he’s willing to run across the country to make it happen.

Go, James, go!

Learn more and follow his journey:
https://cafdn.org/news/james-runs-canada-aims-to-raise-250000-for-cafc-scholarships/

This Mental Health Week, it’s all about connection. For a lot of young people, the hardest part isn't just what they're ...
05/06/2026

This Mental Health Week, it’s all about connection. For a lot of young people, the hardest part isn't just what they're going through, it's going through it alone.

Many children and youth from care face barriers that we may not think about, such as getting to an appointment, finding someone who shares their experience, or simply feeling like they belong somewhere. Those gaps are real, and they can leave a lasting mark.

At CAFC, mental health and well-being are one of our four focus areas. And we’re committed to ensuring youth can access support when they need it, helping them build the skills and confidence to manage their own well-being, and strengthening their connections to peers and community that make those things stick.

But stability doesn't come from a single program or a single conversation. It comes from consistency, young people feeling like they have people, access to the support they need, and knowing that it's not going to change.

Seeking help is a strong and important step. Whether it’s reaching out, checking in on someone, or taking time for yourself, every action matters.

Please visit https://cmha.ca/find-help/ to find mental health resources near you.

Let’s continue to build a culture of care, compassion, and connection together.

CMHA National

Happy National Volunteer Week! Behind every meaningful moment, there are the volunteers who make it possible To all our ...
04/19/2026

Happy National Volunteer Week!

Behind every meaningful moment, there are the volunteers who make it possible

To all our incredible volunteers, thank you.

From bringing warmth and joy to our Holiday Season Celebration, to rolling up your sleeves to pack Comfort Kits for youth across Canada, to helping create an unforgettable evening at the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada Gala – Teddy Bear Affair, your time, energy, and heart have made a lasting impact on the children, youth and families we support.

Thanks to you, they get access to the programs they need, experience moments of comfort and joy, and most importantly, know there are people out there who really care.

We are grateful for your dedication, your compassion, and the many ways you show up for our community.

  What does it take to build a community that truly supports children, youth, and families in the child welfare system? ...
03/27/2026



What does it take to build a community that truly supports children, youth, and families in the child welfare system?

On this episode of Beyond Binaries podcast, host Cheyanne Ratnam is joined by Valerie McMurtry, CEO of Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC), Keziah Oduro, member of CAFC’s Young People’s Advisory Council (YPAC) member, and Wendy Chan, former Associate Director, Program Impact, CAFC for a powerful conversation on how community, innovation, and collaboration can drive lasting change.

From youth voice to system-level impact, this episode explores what meaningful support really looks like and the work required to get there.

Listen to the full episode: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-27c6b-196bc40

As we close out our International Women’s Day conversation series featuring inspiring women from our community, we’re hi...
03/15/2026

As we close out our International Women’s Day conversation series featuring inspiring women from our community, we’re highlighting Danielle, who works in the non-profit and charitable sector and is a member of the Young People’s Advisory Committee (YPAC)

Passionate about creating opportunities for young people, Danielle supports initiatives that help youth access the resources and guidance they need to thrive.

In this Q&A, Danielle shares her perspective on leadership, community impact, and why investing in young women strengthens families and communities.

Read more here: https://cafdn.org/stories/international-womens-day-a-conversation-with-inspiring-women/

As part of our International Women’s Day conversation series featuring inspiring women from our CAFC community, we’re hi...
03/13/2026

As part of our International Women’s Day conversation series featuring inspiring women from our CAFC community, we’re highlighting Nicole Stewart Kamanga.

A barrister and solicitor, Nicole serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and chairs our National Impact Advisory Committee (NIAC). She has dedicated her career to advocating for children, youth, and families, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

In this Q&A, Nicole shares her perspective on justice, advocacy, and why supporting women and girls strengthens communities.

Read more here: https://cafdn.org/stories/international-womens-day-a-conversation-with-inspiring-women/

This International Women’s Day, we’re continuing our conversation with inspiring women from our community by spotlightin...
03/11/2026

This International Women’s Day, we’re continuing our conversation with inspiring women from our community by spotlighting Shay, a Child and Youth Worker and member of our Youth People’s Advisory Council.

Guided by her background in social work and commitment to youth wellbeing, Shay advocates for young people with lived experience in care, ensuring their perspectives shape the programs, services, and policies designed to support them.

In this Q&A, Shay reflects on the power of youth voice, culturally responsive support, and why investing in young women helps strengthen communities.

Read more here: https://cafdn.org/stories/international-womens-day-a-conversation-with-inspiring-women/

Address

25 Spadina Road
Toronto, ON
M5R2S9

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14169230924

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