The Children's Foundation: Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

Transformative learning. Empowering resources. Inspiring experiences. These have been the legacy of The Children's Foundation for more than three decades already—and counting.

The Children's Foundation is an essential service for youth in Hastings, Northumberland, and Prince Edward County. It is the charitable arm of Highland Shores Children's Aid Society (HSCAS), serving families with or without affiliation to HSCAS. It is an independent organization with its own Board of Directors.

The Children's Foundation began in 1991 in Hastings and expanded in 2015 to Northumberland and Prince Edward County. Since then, individuals, corporations and foundations have been supporting the foundation, which does not receive government funding. They believe that an investment in the youth is a wise investment.

The mission of The Children's Foundation is to offer and fund programs, "ensuring all children and youth in Hastings, Northumberland, and Prince Edward Counties have social and physical opportunities to explore, learn, play, and thrive." Meanwhile, their vision states, "no child or youth will do without positive experiences and equal opportunities to help them realize their potential."

Programs That Make a Difference - The Children's Foundation has countless programs, such as back-to-school backpack distribution, Loyalist College Steam Camp, Quinte Challenger Baseball, Belleville Senators BP Buddies, YMCA Camp, Shop with a Cop, Rotary Loves Kids, and Prom Project.

The foundation also conducts driving lessons, cooking classes, and babysitting courses. Other programs involve applications for post-secondary education and college or university placement deposits. There is also First Aid and CPR training, Smart Serve certification, Food Handler's certification, and more.

Keep Baby Safe aims to build a safe and nurturing environment for your child. It supplies families with cribs, crib sheets, crib mattresses, car seats, baby gates, and other child safety essentials. The Angel Tree wraps toys, cozy pajamas, and a generous meal card into a Christmas package to deliver to children, youth, and families in the community.

Meanwhile, Helping Hands provides prenatal and postnatal support. Youth Awards acknowledges youth's achievements in academics, arts, sports, and other fields. Reach for Success awards scholarships and bursaries to the youth for post-secondary education. Camps of Hope subsidizes camp registration fees and opens doors for adventures. Playing for Keeps provides registration fees and creates opportunities for sports, dance, and music. Strive to Thrive funds mental health services like sensory play programs, art therapy, counseling services, and more.

Fundraisers That Strengthen Communities - The Children's Foundation hosts a variety of impactful fundraising events. The Round for the Kids Golf Tournament raises essential funds for Playing for Keeps, giving children access to extracurricular activities. The Kids Can't Wait Radiothon is both a fundraiser and an educational initiative, engaging nine radio stations across three local counties. Over the course of 12 hours, volunteers, benefactors, and recipients share heartfelt stories about the transformative impact of The Children's Foundation, raising awareness and funds to continue its mission.

As the organization's largest annual fundraiser, the Guardian Angel Gala celebrates philanthropic leadership and the individuals whose generosity has made a lasting difference in the lives of children. Proceeds support the Reach for Success program, helping youth pursue higher education.

In addition, The Children's Foundation organizes other fundraisers throughout the year, including Cheering for Children, McHappy Day, and the Peter Smith Memorial Charity Golf Tournament. Volunteers That Shape the Next Generation - You can become a part of the honorable mission of delivering a bright future to the next generation. Check out The Children's Foundation website for details.