On September 17, the Government of Canada announced a historic $27 million investment in Campfire Circle, the largest funding commitment in the charity’s history. Announced on Parliament Hill in Ottawa by the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport, the funding will support a new medical camp in Prince Edward County and accelerate Campfire Circle’s vision to serve 10,000 children annually by 2030.
The announcement brought together government leaders, Campfire Circle supporters, campers and families, and 50 cyclists participating in the R4//Campfire Circle ride, a 960-km journey that reflects the determination and community spirit behind this bold next chapter.
The need is clear. Across Ontario, more than 40,000 children are living with a serious illness. While medical care focuses on treatment and recovery, Campfire Circle focuses on something equally important: helping children experience friendship, adventure, independence, and belonging. Through year-round camp programs and in-hospital experiences, children can reconnect with what it means to be a kid while building resilience and confidence along the way.
“Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities,” says the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State and Member of Parliament for Burlington North-Milton West. “Every child deserves a community where they can play, make friends, try new things and simply enjoy being a kid. For children living with cancer or serious illness, Campfire Circle makes that possible while giving families the reassurance that the medical support they need is close by. This investment will help create a place where kids can make memories and experience the joy of camp, making a real difference for them and their families.”
The investment will allow Campfire Circle to significantly expand its reach to welcome more children living with cancer, and serious illnesses such as heart disease, sickle cell disease, serious blood disorders, and organ failure and transplants.
“For 43 years, Campfire Circle has created camp experiences for children with cancer or serious illness and their families, combining expert medical care with joy, connection, and a sense of belonging during some of life’s most difficult moments,” says Alex Robertson, CEO of Campfire Circle. “As the only medical camp in Canada that can administer IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions on site, we are extremely grateful to the Government of Canada for this historic investment. It will help expand access to our unique model of medical care, play, and community, ensuring more children and families across eastern Ontario can experience the transformative impact of camp, sooner.”
With this historic investment, thousands more children and families will have the opportunity to create lasting memories, build lifelong friendships, and discover the healing power of camp. It is a bold investment not only in a new camp, but in brighter futures for children across Ontario.