DONOR REPORT 2014
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
potentia it’s inside every child Everyone deserves a chance, especially our youth. The Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation joins young people on their journey and helps set them on the right path. Through meaningful partnerships, educational opportunities, scholarships and unforgettable summer camp experiences, the foundation helps deserving youth from all walks of life build confidence, achieve their goals and realize their potential.
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
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a letter from the president
OUR 2014 JOURNEY In 2014, hundreds of youth came through the gates of Muskoka Woods carrying heavy emotional backpacks. Some watched their brother or sister struggle in a fight against cancer. Others bravely said goodbye to their mother or father in the armed forces before they were deployed to countries around the world. Some faced the challenges of autism and other special needs. The Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation makes dreams come true. The donations we receive give youth facing challenging life circumstances the opportunity to encounter the Muskoka Woods’ experience. These young people leave our haven on Lake Rosseau with cherished memories and hopes for a brighter future. They walk through doors that have previously been closed to them. They make new friends, take risks, conquer fears and discover that life has more to offer than they had imagined. This is only made possible through the investments of our generous donors. As you look through this report, it is my hope that you will be encouraged. Our hope is that those who benefitted from their time with us experienced life as it ought to be – a “living exhibition of life with God.” Thank you for joining Muskoka Woods, as we continue to “inspire youth to shape their world.”
John McAuley President & CEO Muskoka Woods
Youth given lifelong summer camp memories and the hope of a brighter future.
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funds and programs
“My son’s time at Muskoka Woods helped build his confidence and self-esteem. He now feels more comfortable interacting with other children.” – Parent of York CAS guest
inspiring at-risk youth Neil Lovatt, a much-loved husband, father and business leader in the financial world, understood spending a week at summer camp was a life-changing experience. Just as his wife was sponsored to go to camp as a young girl, Neil wanted to do the same for others. In the 1990s, Neil began sponsoring economically-disadvantaged kids from his own neighbourhood. When Neil passed away in 2002, his family established the Neil Lovatt Memorial Fund to honour his legacy.
The Neil Lovatt Memorial Fund puts summer camp within reach of deserving at-risk youth from communities across Ontario. An unforgettable summer at Muskoka Woods gives these young people the chance to experience fresh air, freedom and fun, while getting a taste of life with new possibilities.
262 YOUTH SUPPORTED
“This was an opportunity to be a “kid” and take a break; a break from their extra responsibilities of looking after younger siblings, a break from a toxic home environment, a break from the stresses of complicated family relationships, or a break from a world where a lack of finances restricts them from trying new things.” – City Kidz Summer to Remember Staff
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
One Voice One Team – Youth Unlimited Mishkeegogamang First Nation – Salvation Army Urban Promise – City Kidz York Region Children’s Aid Society Angel Tree – Muskoka Community
rewarding
exceptional leaders After six years as a Muskoka Woods guest, Jamie Groves thrived in a leadership role as a lifeguard in the summer of 1993. He modeled the heart of our staff at their best. Caring, compassionate, conscientious and fun-loving, Jamie was a natural leader. He served others energetically, seeing them for who they were and who they could become. We would have loved for Jamie to work at Muskoka Woods year after year. Sadly, a few months after his first summer on staff, Jamie was diagnosed with cancer and passed away
at 19. The Jamie Groves Scholarship Fund was created in his memory. Since its inception, this fund has awarded more than 350 scholarships to exceptional Muskoka Woods summer staff. Financial support makes it possible for these young adults to work at camp, rather than seek alternative summer employment to offset the cost of post-secondary education.
60,725 “When I reflect on my summers spent at Muskoka Woods, feelings of love, joy and thankfulness flood my heart. Not only has it been a place of immeasurable fun, but it has had an irreplaceable role in shaping the woman I am today. Continuously drawing me out of my own inhibitions, this summer camp is the catalyst that allowed me to embrace who I am, and in turn, pour into the lives of others. Hearing Jamie’s story shared with the staff, summer after summer, I am continuously reminded of the power, possibility, and responsibility that we hold as youth. My desire to shape the world that I live in, and live a life that reflects my Saviour, has been given space and time to flourish within the summer seasons spent on Lake Rosseau. With the help of generous donors, I have been able to attend Muskoka Woods for the past seven years, relieved of financial burdens and free to focus on the incredible lessons, gifts and opportunities camp has to offer.” – Mahri Macfarlane, Summer Staff
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
in scholarships given to 44 summer staff.
“For my children, dad is just dad. He goes away for long periods of time and is dearly missed. It was great for them to see that not only is he their hero, but others look up to him in the same way. His personal sacrifices are appreciated by many.� – Claudia, Mother of Canadian Heroes guest
honouring Canadian heroes When a parent serves in the Canadian Armed Forces, children are left behind to cope with the heartache and stress of missing their mom or dad for months at a time. The Canadian Heroes Program serves the children of our troops by gifting them a week of summer camp at Muskoka Woods. Initiated by Tom Caldwell of Caldwell Financial Securities in 2008, the Canadian Heroes Program has given 562 sons and daughters of military
families the opportunity to attend Muskoka Woods as summer guests. Our Canadian Heroes guests are children of deployed members of the Canadian military, children of ill or injured soldiers as a result of deployment, and children of fallen soldiers. Each child represents at least one parent in active duty from CFB North Bay, Ottawa, Borden, Petawawa, London, Kingston or Trenton.
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“Mackenzie’s Hope gives a much needed break to the brothers and sisters who are impacted by this terrible disease; a break from hospital visits, a break from cancelled plans and a break from disappointment. Mackenzie’s Hope gives to the often forgotten kids affected by cancer. Mackenzie’s Hope builds kids up and creates smiles.” – Galvin Family
making her dream come true Many things were important to Mackenzie Masson, and at the top of her list were faith, family, art and Muskoka Woods. As Mackenzie journeyed through her illness, the Massons learned so much about great organizations offering many things to kids struggling with cancer. When Mackenzie was given the opportunity to go to another camp because of her cancer, her first question was, “What about Jamie?” Mackenzie’s Hope was born out of this very question. Even though
she was the one struggling through treatment and pain, she realized the significant pain her brother was experiencing, as well. There are many wonderful organizations offering family and sibling camps, but Mackenzie felt Muskoka Woods was the best place; and she only ever wanted the best for her brother. Mackenzie’s Hope invites siblings of children affected by cancer for a week of summer camp at Muskoka Woods.
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Siblings of children with cancer.
“We are like mom and dad away from home for many of these staff. It is amazing to travel from campus to campus and be invited to be part of their lives as they share the challenges of life. One of the most rewarding aspects of our role is when staff understand and experience the power of a Christian community. It is even more powerful when that community flows out of relationships developed at camp.” – Mike Barlow
mentoring young adults year-round We believe God brings extraordinary young adults into the Muskoka Woods’ community, and extending this mentorship opportunity beyond the summer has profound benefits. Through Project 52, the Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation makes it possible to walk beside these gifted staff year-round.
Mike and Tina Barlow have worked for Muskoka Woods since 1990 and currently oversee Project 52. Together, they coordinate Bible studies, distribute weekly devotional emails and mentor Muskoka Woods’ summer staff in local schools, churches and on university and college campuses. They provide life coaching, leadership training and spiritual direction at critical times in these young people’s lives.
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CITIES YEAR-ROUND
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
Guelph - Guelph University; Hamilton McMaster University, Redeemer University and Mohawk College; Kingston - Queen’s University; London - Western University and Fanshawe College; Montreal - McGill University; Ottawa - Ottawa and Carleton University; Peterborough; St. Catharines - Brock University; Toronto; Waterloo - Waterloo and Laurier University; Northern Ireland
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“Each year, I hear from families about the incredibly positive impact this program has had on their child. He or she has learned new skills, made friends and been in a great place to blossom. For this one week, knowing their child is in a great environment, breathes fresh energy into the parents’ relationship. Thank you for giving this amazing gift to our families. ”
KIDS
– Jan Grisdale, Precious Minds Staff
celebrating new-found confidence Through our partnership with Precious Minds, the Exceptionality Program gives children and youth with autism the opportunity to experience camp, while gaining confidence and independence. These inspiring boys and girls discovered new possibilities and uncovered their hidden potential at Muskoka Woods. They were integrated into camp programming by members of the Inclusion Crew, befriended by their cabin mates, celebrated as they bravely performed on stage at Impact, and were encouraged to try new things in a safe camp environment.
“I have experienced personal growth as I watched my daughter, Rebekah, transition through this amazing program. ‘How has the Resiliency program affected your daughter and what positive changes have you noticed?’...it saved her.” – Parent of Cadence Participant
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fostering hidden potential The Resiliency Program connects the Muskoka Woods Leadership Studio with schools in Southern Ontario. This program is designed for students in grades 7-12 who struggle with chronic absenteeism, conventional classroom instruction, family dysfunction, and other social or emotional challenges. While these youth are at great risk of not graduating, their teachers have identified them as having incredible potential for growth and development.
Twice a year, alongside their teachers, students take part in an intensive three-day experiential leadership program at Muskoka Woods. In the beautiful Leadership Studio they learn, “Leaders look at the world and say, ‘It doesn’t have to be this way’ and do something about it.” Muskoka Woods staff follow up with a leadership training visit in the students’ home classroom. Parents, teachers and the students see the results: better choices, heightened self confidence, deepened character and academic success.
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
HIGH SCHOOOL STUDENTS
fundraising events
136 GOLFERS
70,000 raised to benefit the Jamie Groves Scholarship Fund, Canadian Heroes Program, Project 52 and Neil Lovatt Memorial Fund.
10 annual th
charity golf tournament On May 26, 2014, 136 golfers hit the links at the Glencairn Golf Club in support of deserving youth across Ontario. After finishing 18 holes, golfers bid on exciting silent auction items, including: a 50-inch Sony television, weekend getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, VIP TFC and Blue Jays tickets, rounds of golf at Lake Joseph Club, King Valley, Wyndance and Mississauga Golf & Country Club, a Pandora charm bracelet, and more.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & DONORS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
FOUNDING SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSORS:
OAKSHORE DEVELOPMENTS
37,000 RAISED
run round rosseau On June 19, 2014, Muskoka Woods’ full-time and summer leadership staff walked, ran and biked in the 4th Annual Run Round Rosseau, a 65K relay around beautiful Lake Rosseau.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSOR & DONORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
42 youth from the Rosseau community had the opportunity to come to Muskoka Woods for a week of summer camp.
fundraising events
51,000 RAISED
to send siblings of children with cancer, and other children touched by cancer, to summer camp at Muskoka Woods.
mackenzie’s hope gala & silent auction Thank you for partnering with us in the Mackenzie’s Hope Fundraising Gala Dinner & Auction on October 16, 2014. Once again, this magical evening transformed Atlantis Pavilion into a corner of Muskoka paradise. Songs and skits, campfires and candlelight set the stage for a wonderful night of sharing in Mackenzie’s legacy. The event brought together friends, family and new supporters for an unforgettable evening full of laughter, tears and memorable moments.
The tremendous success of the evening would not have been possible without the generosity of: Macgregors Meat & Seafood for sponsoring our delicious meal, anonymous donors for inviting our Mackenzie’s Hope recipients and their families to the gala, and individuals and corporations for donating outstanding auction items.
Dave Ball Mike Barlow Tina Barlow Jonny Braden Samantha Candeloro-Wolter Kim Clifford Mara Cole Nancy D’Agincourt Michelle Dubé Kailey Edigar Hillary Elliott Kirsten Faarup Katherine Foreman Taylor Gillard Sandra Groves Kayleen Hoffman Phil Holley Andrea Hunter Theresa Jones Andrew Jordan
Hazelynn Kinney Steph Knight Bethany Kraulis Rebekah Kraulis Kira Langendoen Jim Lattimore Emmy Lightfoot Michelle Linnen Laura Machrie Shannon Machry Marilyn Marshall David Masson Jamie Masson Joshua Masson Katherine Masson Linda Masson Nathaniel Masson Stephanie Masson Kasi McAuley Cameron Mitchell
James Montgomery Lucy Morra-Pederson Janice O’Reilly Lon Pederson Colin Ray Rebecca Ray Katriel Read Michaela Read Nirvana Read Katrina Robert Anna Samchek Joelle Schonberg Ken Shaw Annie Sutherland Rachel Thiessen Felicia Torelli Gianna Torelli Amber Tompkins Vanessa Wapell Mike Zdero
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
special thanks to all our 2014 volunteers
foundation financials
Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation
________________________________________________________________ Donation Revenue (includes donations to Endowment Funds)
$866,143
________________________________________________________________ Disbursed and/or Allocated: Neil Lovatt Memorial Fund Jamie Groves Scholarship Fund Canadian Heroes Mackenzie’s Hope Project 52 Exceptionality Program Resiliency Program Audited Financial Statement available upon request.
$211,425 $60,725 $34,000 $48,573 $15,000 $20,000 $20,000
CHAIRMAN David G. Bentley-Taylor TREASURER Neil Mitchell SECRETARY Neil McRuer DIRECTORS Robert Groves Jessie Lovatt Duncan Macgregor
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR John McAuley
For more information on the Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation funds, programs, events and volunteer opportunities, please contact: Lauren Buxton, Foundation Coordinator Phone: 416.495.6960 Email: foundation@muskokawoods.com www.muskokawoods.com/foundation Facebook.com/muskokawoods Twitter: @muskokawoods Instagram: @muskokawoods Charitable Registration Number: 85894 9514 RR0001
MUSKOKA WOODS YOUTH FOUNDATION
BOARD OF CONTACT DIRECTORS INFORMATION
• INSPIRING YOUTH TO SHAPE THEIR WORLD •
MuskokaWoodsYouthFoundation.com
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