Last week, representatives from Lions Clubs across Brampton, Toronto, Peel, Halton, Wentworth, and Brant gathered at Campfire Circle’s Toronto office for a remarkable celebration of community generosity. Together, these clubs have contributed an extraordinary $375,000 to support Campfire Circle’s medically supported camp programs for children with cancer or serious illness and their families.

Campfire Circle delivers year-round programs in hospitals across Ontario and at two overnight camp locations – including Rainbow Lake in Norfolk County, where a major expansion will double capacity by 2027. This gift marks a significant milestone in helping bring that vision to life.

At the heart of this initiative is Lion Bob Caster, whose dedication to supporting families navigating childhood cancer is deeply personal. Bob’s granddaughter, Avery, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumour, at age seven and bravely fought for seven years before passing away. Her journey inspired Bob to make childhood cancer his primary focus within Lions International.

As chairperson for childhood cancer in Lions District A711, Bob began researching organizations that aligned with the Lions’ mission. “Childhood cancer is one of the eight causes championed by Lions International,” he explained. “When I learned about Campfire Circle – how they give kids with cancer a taste of normal life, joy, and connection – it became clear this was the perfect place for us to support.”

Bob met with Campfire Circle leadership and learned about the planned $5 million renovation at Rainbow Lake. From there, he spearheaded the 60 60 60 plan: one Lions Club committed $60,000, 70 additional clubs were invited to match it, and Campfire Circle helped identify a donor who could contribute another $60,000. This $180,000 foundation allowed Lions to apply for a matching grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), ultimately bringing the total to $375,000 for the renovation of Rainbow Lake’s medical clinic – affectionately known as the Body Shop – and housing for volunteer medical staff.

“Kids with cancer miss out on hockey, dancing, swimming – everything that makes childhood magical,” says Bob. “What better way to give that back than a camp designed just for them.”

With more than 1,700 Lions involved, this gift represents a shared commitment to making life brighter for children facing the hardest challenges.