Growing with Our Ottawa Community

In Ottawa, we meet as many as 10 families a week at the hospital. The demand for our programs and activities is growing fast. When families are in the hospital it’s such an isolating experience. They feel all alone, and then they are genuinely and joyfully surprised to hear about Campfire Circle: Games! Crafts! Songs!

We bring laughter, fun and camp adventures to kids in our community. It’s a privilege for our Campfire Circle team to be welcomed into their circle of care. Connecting them with a community who have or are going through a similar experience is very special.

As our program grows in Ottawa, we are also supporting kids throughout their experience. One six-year-old camper we met in community programs had just completed his treatment. He came to as many programs as he could, telling us that camp was his safe space. Recently, he had a relapse, and he was back in the clinic.

When he first saw me, his face burst into a big smile. A bit later, he was having a hard time after some painful procedures. He was having a lot of big feelings, and some tears. I poked my head in and said, “Hey, if you want to do a craft later, I’m here, whenever you feel up to it.” He said softly, “I could do one now, maybe?” ABSOLUTLEY! Before the glitter and glue was even dry, his dad said, “We’re so grateful Campfire Circle is here. This has not been a good morning. I’m so happy to see a smile on his face. Thank you.”

— Chelsea, Associate Manager, In-Hospital and Community Programs (Eastern Ontario) 

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Help Chelsea and other Program Specialists provide more joy and laughter across paediatric hospitals in Ontario. When you donate today, you are helping deliver healing through happiness to thousands of kids with cancer or serious illness and their families in Ottawa, London, Hamilton, and Toronto. Please give now and your gift will be triple matched!