Wise Family Foundation’s Story
Find out why the Wise Family Foundation supports Camp!
Since 2002, the Wise Family Foundation has been by our side. Their tremendous generosity and kindness have helped us make great strides in fulfilling our mission—to reach every child and family affected by childhood cancer in the province so they can experience the magic and friendship of camp.
The Foundation has generously contributed $1.3M cumulatively to CAMPFIRE CIRCLE, delivering camp-inspired fun and friendship in communities, in hospitals, and at overnight camp all across Ontario.
The Wise Family Foundation is truly a family affair, because everyone is involved! We are grateful to have Steven and Susan leading the charge, along with their four children—all of whom have volunteered and helped us to raise even more funds!
The Wise family knows a thing or two about making memories, having fun and challenging yourself! As a Camper and counsellor at an Ontario camp for 12 years and being a Teomul counsellor at CAMPFIRE CIRCLE Muskoka, Susan shares how well she understands the impact camp can have on children and adults alike:
We’re all in this together! What a miracle it is for kids affected by cancer to get to camp! Waking up and smelling the pine needles, hearing the crunch walking on the ground, and then looking over and seeing the fog over the lake and smelling that crisp fresh air—it truly is magical!
— Susan Zikman Wise
Over the years, the Foundation has helped to make challenge and adventure possible at overnight camp with their investments in a state-of-the-art accessible high ropes course and a giant swing at CAMPFIRE CIRCLE Muskoka—a highlight of Campers’ outdoors experiences at camp. An instructor shares a reflection:
When the high ropes course was first installed, I remember kids at the beginning of the week being terrified and reluctant to go up there. And just a few days later, they’re facing their fears and conquering the top of the course! It’s these milestones that are so tremendous for kids affected by cancer.
The Foundation also funded indoor climbing and bouldering walls at CAMPFIRE CIRCLE Downtown, an urban recreation center in the heart of Toronto. These special features are fully accessible to Campers using mobility devices, and are hugely popular during the many March break, PD or many special family occasions hosted in this space.
These generous capital investments continue to provide Campers with challenging experiences that require them to work as a team—building trust, leadership skills, and confidence in themselves and one another!
The Wise family’s leadership and investments during the last two decades have been instrumental in helping CAMPFIRE CIRCLE become a leading paediatric oncology charity in Canada. From volunteering at events, to hosting Jump for CAMPFIRE CIRCLE, a local Muskoka community fundraising event for 10 years, to stepping up during the COVID-19 crisis to help us quickly pivot to virtual summer camp, we are so grateful to call you our Champions and Friends of Camp!
Want to know how the Wise Family Foundation is supporting camp now?
They have issued a matching gift challenge to our community to help us bring bedside in-hospital and virtual programs throughout the summer to kids and families in homes and hospitals across Ontario!
The Wise Family Foundation will be matching every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000! Click here to find out how you can accept their challenge!
Ron & Deb’s Story
Ron Williamson and Deb Steiss, Brave Spirit Circle donors and archaeologists share why giving to us is an important part of their legacy.
Mary Pat’s Story
Legacy CAMPFIRE CIRCLE founder and dedicated champion, Mary Pat Armstrong shares why she believes in the magic of camp.
Share your story
If you would like to share your camp story with us, please contact:
Michelle Guignard
Development Coordinator, Annual Giving