Sudbury Manitoulin Children's Foundation

The Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Foundation was founded in 1976 by: Gerry Lougheed Sr., Robert Fabbro, Donald Taylor, Paul Sauve, James Cormier, Ronald Luciani, and John Koski. Four of our founding members stayed on as directors for over 25 years; one is still a director today. For the first few years the Foundation assisted disadvantaged children by supporting a variety of community needs. Though not a founding member, Charles ‘Chuck’ Murray joined the board very shortly after it was founded. He became a beacon for us and served as President of the Board for nearly 25 years.

In 1983 an independent study was commissioned to assess the needs of children in the community. The study determined that “the Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Foundation should be involved in camping”; and that “[they] should assume the prime responsibility for the generation of funding for camping opportunities for needy/disadvantaged children”. Because of these recommendations, the Send-A-Kid to Camp [SAKTC] program launched in 1984 and has sent over 17 000 local children to camp since then.

Our goal is to continue to be able to provide camping opportunities to all of the disadvantaged children who are referred to the “Send-A-Kid To Camp” program by 49+ various local social agencies. In February of each year, the SMCF’s Board Of Directors commit to a set budget for the “Send-A-Kid To Camp” program for that coming summer. The objective is to raise enough money to send these children to camp and to expand on the initial number committed. 

“Send-A-Kid To Camp” (SAKTC) program – Summer camp offers children many opportunities and skills, and if nothing else, gives them a break from stressful home situations. We support camps across Ontario and assist the whole camping experience by covering all camp fees, assisting with transportation, and providing camp necessities