Lake Joe Live, a night of music, magic and making a difference, raised $400,000 for CNIB Lake Joe on Aug. 16.
CNIB Lake Joe is a fully accessible camp for people of all ages living with vision loss. According to Executive Director Monique Pilkington, the camp is the only one of its kind in Canada.
She says they created Lake Joe Live to raise critical funds so more children with vision loss can enjoy an inclusive camp experience that offers adaptive activities and leadership programs.
“This event helps subsidize camp fees and expand programming making lifelong connections and meaningful skill developments possible for families who may otherwise face financial barriers,” said Pilkington.
She says Lake Joe Live 2025 was a huge success with live and silent auctions and ticket sales combining to raise $400,000.
“We created a memorable evening that not only celebrated community but also inspired an incredible outpouring of generosity,” she said. “Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors we offered gourmet food, refreshments and live entertainment.”
According to Pilkington, funds raised will help subsidize camp fees for families facing financial barriers, aid investment in adaptive sports, recreation, and skill building programs, and expand access to essential leadership and independence training for campers of all ages.
She said this year they held a special ceremony for Hogarth Hall, a new multi-purpose building they are planning on using year-round.
“That’s going to change things dramatically for our ability to offer ongoing workshops and skill development training,” she said.
There were many moments that stood out on the evening of the fundraiser, according to Pilkington. One of those moments was when CNIB Board Chair Robert Fenton shared his story.
Fenton has been blind since birth. He talked about a being a teenager who lacked confidence, but then one year, he attended CNIB Lake Joe as a camper and had the firsthand experience of hearing “yes, you can.” rather than “no, you can’t.” He then went on to find his first job as a camp counselor with CNIB.
Pilkington said their participants have the opportunity to unlock potential, gain confidence, build lifelong friendships and embrace new adventures.
“Our participants are empowered to share their aspirations, develop personal strengths and build courage and confidence to explore key leadership skills like public speaking, advocacy, self-awareness and personal branding,” she said. “Campers also enjoy those recreational activities that make CNIB Lake Joe so unique, and under the guidance of our skilled facilitators, they are willing to try new things.”
CNIB Lake Joe is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to be able to operate.
“Donations directly fund everything from new adaptive equipment and program development to our facility updates that make camp even more accessible,” she said. “Each contribution has a direct and lasting impact, creating life changing experiences for people with sight loss and their families.”
To learn more about CNIB Lake Joe visit CNIB Lake Joe | CNIB
