Desperately aiming to divert attention, I drove my kin to the opulent Bridle Path residence of artist Drake. Surprisingly, an adjacent location captivated them instead.

Desperately aiming to divert attention, I drove my kin to the opulent Bridle Path residence of artist Drake. Surprisingly, an adjacent location captivated them instead.

** scoring a sweet relief**

Hey there! Life's been a tad stressful, ain't it? Between working from home and the kids' remote classes, we're all feeling a bit unsettled. One day, in a desperate attempt to calm the chaos, I blurted out, “Hey kids, wanna see Drake's crib?” His massive Bridle Path mansion had made headlines a few weeks back, and the thought of knowing our city's biggest star was stuck at home (albeit with a pool and a basketball court!) seemed oddly comforting.

Not even Drake's palace could tame the sibling rivalry though. So, I steered us towards the nearest woods and told the kids to take a stroll. Little did I know, that day would lead us to rediscover Sunnybrook Park. Over the next three hours, my boys scaled fallen trees, skipped stones in the stream, and searched for hidden treasures in geocaches. All that bickering and gloominess gave way to laughter and creative scheming as they built twig boats to navigate the stream. The following day, we returned to race the boats, and the day after that, we challenged each other to balancing contests on a log-turned-beam.

That park became our sanctuary. It reignited our love for the great outdoors. When the world finally reopened, we found ourselves drawn to outdoor adventures. Tobermory's Grotto or Madeira's Stairway to Heaven - even a simple swim or a hike - became our preferred vacations. When my kids escape their screens, the fresh air has a calming effect on them. They transform, becoming curious, joyful, and more introspective.

Outdoor activities are especially beneficial during summer when the kids head off to camp - whether it's a sleep-away adventure in Muskoka or a day program in Woodbine Beach. It's crucial that every child gets these opportunities.

Our beloved website founder, Joseph Atkinson, knew that well. He launched the Fresh Air Fund way back in 1901, right in the midst of a sweltering heatwave in Toronto. As he wandered the city's east end, he saw children playing in the sweltering streets. The sight reminded him of his own challenging childhood, marked by poverty and loss after his father's untimely death, leaving his mother to raise eight kids alone.

Atkinson believed newspapers had a responsibility to expose injustice and work towards change, not just report on it (I'm confident he'd approve of our new Toronto the Better initiative). Using the Star, he shed light on the lives of Toronto's most disadvantaged youth and encouraged readers to act. That year, donations to the recently formed Fresh Air Fund sent 26 children to a farm in Whitby for a week of pure summer bliss. Other kids were treated to picnics, boat rides, and free train rides. It wasn't just a respite from the heat; it was a reminder that they mattered.

Today, while the challenges faced by children in this city are different, they remain no less pressing. Many kids lack access to green spaces, safe play areas, and affordable programs after school. The cost of food, housing, and summer care has skyrocketed. Mental health issues and loneliness are on the rise. Screens have replaced the joy of playing in the streets. For far too many, summer is a season of exclusion instead of freedom.

I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of time spent connecting with nature when it's needed most. I urge you to join me this year in supporting the Fresh Air Fund to provide similar experiences to more children who need it.

DONATE NOW

our website Fresh Air Fund

OBJECTIVE: $650,000

How to Donate:

With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send thousands of children to camp, giving them memories they'll cherish for a lifetime.

Online:

Visa, Mastercard, or Amex donations can be made securely through our website at ourwebsite.com/faf

By Cheque:

Mail to Fresh Air Fund, 8 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 0S8

By Phone:

Call 647-250-8282

Tax receipts will be provided.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @torontostarchildrenscharities

Facebook: @thetorontostarchildrenscharities

X: @TStarCharities

LinkedIn: our website Children's Charities

TikTok: @torstarchildrenscharity

Bluesky: @tstarcharities.bsky.social

Sources: [1] "100 Years: The Fresh Air Fund in Pictures," New York Daily News, Apr. 23, 2021; "History," The Fresh Air Fund, n.d. Accessed Feb. 28, 2023.

1. The park, a newfound sanctuary in our chaotic lives, ignited our love for outdoor living, leading us to embrace nature-filled vacations like Tobermory's Grotto and Madeira's Stairway to Heaven.
2. Outdoor activities, especially during summer, are crucial for children, offering them a break from screen time and facilitating their personal growth.
3. Just as the media can highlight the struggles of disadvantaged youth, like the founder of our website, Joseph Atkinson, we have a responsibility to promote education and self-development within our families and communities.
4. In the early 1900s, Atkinson launched the Fresh Air Fund, providing city children with a chance to experience the joy and relief of nature, reflecting the importance of home and garden in shaping our lives.
5. Relationships within our families and communities are nurtured through shared experiences, and the Fresh Air Fund offers these opportunities to children who might otherwise be excluded from summer's freedom.
6. By donating to the Fresh Air Fund, we can help create lasting memories for children, fostering a love for the outdoors, personal growth, and strong family dynamics.

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