Well-Being
The Foundation aims to prioritize a wholistic approach to well-being. We believe affording a child the time and support to process their trauma and/or other experiences relevant to their individual journey, will allow them to focus on their studies and path to success.
Through access to pet therapy, comfort kits, summer camp, cooking workshops, sports & recreation activities and just plain fun, the Foundation helps improve the mental and physical well-being of children in Batshaw’s care and allow them to get back to being kids.
Program Highlights
Proud partners of the Children's Aid Foundation's Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Comfort Kit Program, providing comfort kits to children and youth entering foster care.
Annually offer over 150 children & youth a specialized summer camp experience at Camp Weredale.
Through Pet Therapy, provide 260 children & youth with opportunities to build trust, reduce anxiety, and support their emotional well-being through therapeutic animal interactions.
Through Mindful Kids, a trauma-informed mindfulness program, help 76 children & youth develop tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.
Led by Santa Frank, provide over 2,000 children & youth a magical holiday experience with gifts, food baskets, and more.
How We’re Improving:
In 2021, with the support of Bell Let’s Talk, we launched a Pet Therapy program. This program allows youth to feel safe & loved as they process their trauma. It is our most loved program by our youth, and staff also have seen incredible impacts on youth’s ability to express themselves in the presence of a furry companion.
Growing partnerships with local foundations to ensure our youth have access to sports & recreation activities, as well as equipment to keep them healthy & active while living in care.
Why We Need You:
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (15-34 years) in Canada.
Impacts of youth in sports:
Lower recorded instances of drug abuse
Lower anxiety & depression
Better overall academic performance, lower school dropout rates & higher likelihood of attending college
Children & youth who attend summer camp show significant growth in 4 key areas of development: positive identity, social skills, physical & thinking skills, and positive values & spirituality.