What is Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids?
Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids is Toronto’s most unique waterfront fundraiser! Every spring, participants paddle and portage 15 kms across Toronto’s waterfront to raise funds that send children and youth from low-income families to overnight summer camps across Ontario!
Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids offers you an opportunity to join others who want to help create an impact on children’s lives through summer camp – an experience for children who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance.
Since 2006, Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids has brought together camp enthusiasts, former campers and portagers of all skill levels to raise more than $1,000,000 to create leaders through summer camp.
Today, Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids involves over 155 paddlers and portagers, who travel over land and water to support Amici campers and bring awareness to the overwhelming benefits of summer camp programs. In 2018, more than $220,000 was raised in pledges and sponsorship, funding over 400 weeks of camp.
Introducing the Canoe Heads 2019 Steering Committee
Canoe Heads for Kids would simply not be possible without this incredible and dedicated steering committee. Learn more about what camp means to them below!
Stuart Snyder
Co-Chair
“Camp is a place where you can go and disconnect from screens. You can connect with people and nature, two things the world needs more of.”
Phil Williams
Co-Chair
“To me, camp means making friends for life.”
Tim McMartin
Sponsorship
“Outside of my immediate family, I would say that my camp experience was the largest contributor to the person I am today. I made great friends, gathered countless memories, and built lifelong skills that I use throughout my life.”
Kerry Reynolds
Communications
“Camp helped shape me as a leader and gave me a chance to learn both independence and the power of teamwork. It grew my love and appreciation for outdoors and of course gave me some solid canoeing skills.”
Colin Penstone
Communications
"There's something special about going to camp. The clear skies, crystal water, lasting friendships, and memories shared. I am the person I am today because of my time at camp, and I'm fortunate to be able to give back with the Amici team."
Jay Smith
Volunteers
“Camp is an amazing place to have a good time, while picking up invaluable life skills without even realizing it; as a kid and young adult. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have spent much of my formative years at a great camp, which is why I am passionate about working with the Amici team.”
Tim Mackay
After Party
"Camp can be a game-changer in a kid's life. It's a place where the "real world" can fade away, kids can be themselves, and develop confidence and skills they didn't know they had. It's an incredibly unique place that can make all the difference in someone's life."
Dave Spindler
After Party
"I met all of my role models and most of my best friends at summer camp. I learned more about myself and the world on the shores of Gull Lake than I ever could in a classroom. Camp taught me to lead with kindness, be empathetic, and have confidence in myself. I gained a profound respect for nature and an affinity for paddling a canoe. Camp will always be apart of the fabric of my life, and I couldn't be more grateful for that."