In 2018, the United Way partnered with 14 local programs in Timmins during the Stars and Thunder Festival to raise funds to further advance the work of building a stronger social service structure, while igniting an innovative form of volunteer engagement.
With the hard work of many dedicated volunteers, staff and the support of concert-goers, the North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation was successful in raising funds through proceeds of the United Way 50/50 Electronic Raffle to provide subsidies for disadvantaged children and youth throughout the districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming.
The Foundation received $8,049 from the proceeds of the United Way 50/50 Electronic Raffle that took place during the 8-day festival, which enabled the Foundation to subsidize summer camp registration fees for nine children and youth, as well as to grant bursaries for four deserving recipients pursuing post-secondary education or training.
The Foundation would like to extend its appreciation to the United Way and all of the organizers, volunteers and concert-goers who made the Stars and Thunder 50/50 Electronic Raffle a success. Donor support is a key reason why many children and youth in our communities benefit and are supported in experiences that would otherwise be unattainable due to financial constraints.
Success Stories
The support of the United Way 50/50 Electronic Raffle and generosity demonstrated by concert-goers has changed lives, one child at a time.
Summer Camp Experience
The funds raised enabled one young boy to attend an Autism Camp for three days at Camp Ongrandi on Lac Rémi in Moonbeam. He enjoyed the outdoor activities and meeting new friends. His parents also appreciated the experience for their son, as well as for themselves. They look forward to future camp days.
Two young girls were able to attend Camp Bickell on Chapman Lake near Iroquois Falls for a week. They loved their experience and made new friends. One of them would like to return with the new friends that she made last year. Their parents appreciated the camp experience their daughters had, as they had never been to camp before, and they want the same experience again for their daughters as well as for their other children for the summers to come.
Recognition Bursaries
The bursaries offered by the Foundation provide much deserved recognition, fosters confidence and assists our youth in pursuing their goals. The awards provide an opportunity to recognize effort and are intended for those who have overcome academic, social and emotional challenges.
Here are some words of gratitude from one of the bursary recipients:
“The bursary I received while I was taking a Personal Support Worker program at college helped me be able to purchase a laptop and also helped me with purchasing a pen reader. Without these two devices, I don't think I would have been as successful in the program as I was. I do struggle with reading and writing and comprehension. The pen reader is able to read the text out loud after scanning it, this made it so I could do my homework independently and understand what I was reading. The laptop helped me with writing reports and doing research and having autocorrect. Being able to do your homework independently makes a huge difference, even reading independently. With these devices, I successfully graduated with 95%. Thank you very much for the bursary.”
About the North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation
The North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation raises funds through community engagement to improve the lives of children, youth and their families throughout the districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming. The Foundation supports children and youth by providing post-secondary scholarships and subsidizing outdoor and recreation activities.
NEOFACS and the North Eastern Ontario Children’s Foundation gratefully acknowledge the support of United Way North East Ontario.