On June 1st, Helene Clarkson and Brian Imrie hosted the Circle of Friends Rooftop Fundraiser, a special event in support of the Indigenous Spirit Fund (ISF) the philanthropic arm of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST). The evening consisted of a traditional Indigenous opening and closing, cultural elements, and remarks made by NCFST and ISF leadership and board members.

So far, $128,000 has been brought in through the fundraising efforts of Ms. Clarkson and Mr. Imrie in support of the work done by ISF with Indigenous children, youth, and families in Toronto.

Following the successful inaugural rooftop fundraiser event, and a new campaign goal of $500,000, we invite you to kindly consider making a donation to the Circle of Friends fundraising campaign.

Please click the ‘Donate Now’ button to the right of the page to process your donation. A charitable tax receipt will be automatically emailed to you. 

If you are donating by cheque, please make the cheque payable to Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and indicate on the cheque that it is for the Indigenous Spirit Fund. Please address the envelope to Indigenous Spirit Fund, c/o Randall Arsenault, 30 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1K2.

Miigwetch. 

About the Indigenous Spirit Fund

The Indigenous Spirit Fund was established in 2018 by Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for First Nations, Metis and Inuit children, youth, and families by supporting community-driven and cultural-based programs and services delivered by NCFST.

By supporting the ISF, you will help deliver much-needed support to some of Toronto’s most vulnerable children and families especially those impacted by the child welfare system.

The following are the current Signature Programs delivered by ISF. Please note that none of these programs are core funded.

Honouring The Indigenous Spirit  Awards 

The Honouring the Indigenous Spirit Awards program focuses on the development of a culturally appropriate recognition program for Indigenous children and youth in Toronto who work to overcome systemic barriers to achieve their personal best. The Indigenous Spirit Awards Program is planning to expand to provide year-round support while continuing to hold its Awards Ceremony on an annual basis.

To watch a live stream of the 2022 Honouring The Indigenous Spirit Awards, please click here.

On The Land - Culture Camps 

On The Land – Culture Camps immerse children and their families in a cultural experience and a chance to experience the natural world. With this camp, we are building a community of children who will grow up with a stronger cultural identity and sense of belonging, two things at risk for Indigenous children and youth who live in the city.

Culture Programs

The ISF Culture Program aims to maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures. Children and youth in care may grow up unaware of their rich cultural backgrounds or experience a disconnect from their culture. This program offers children, youth, and their families an opportunity to reconnect, access culture and language, and strengthen identities.

Thank you for your support of the Indigenous Spirit Fund.