The Bay Street Children's Foundation / La Fondation Bay Street pour Enfants

Overview

The Bay Street Children's Foundation, also known as La Fondation Bay Street pour Enfants, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children in need. It operates as a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with the registration number 853448041RR0001.

History

Established in 1996, the foundation initially began with a softball tournament in Riverdale Park, involving Canadian brokers. The event was successful, raising about $30,000, which was donated to the Bloorview Macmillan Children’s Foundation. Over the years, the foundation has grown significantly, and by 2008, it had expanded to include twenty teams participating over two days, with revenues exceeding $200,000. The foundation became independent in 2003, allowing it to support a diverse group of charities.

Mission

The Bay Street Children's Foundation is committed to raising funds for various causes, primarily focusing on the welfare of children. Its mission is simple: to give to children in need. The organization hosts several events annually, including poker nights and sports tournaments, to achieve this goal.

Notable Contributions

The foundation has been a significant supporter of several Canadian organizations. Notably, it has made substantial contributions to the Sick Kids Foundation, specifically supporting the Medley Peds Study, a mobile phone-based telemonitoring program for pediatric heart disease. Other recipients include Holland Bloorview, Children's Aid, Wounded Warriors Foundation, Cornerstone Family, Centennial Infant and Child Centre Foundation, and Kids Help Phone.

In recent years, the foundation has distributed funds to these organizations to support their ongoing programs and initiatives. For instance, in 2023, it donated $70,000 to the Sick Kids Foundation and split the remaining funds among several other charities.

Events

The Bay Street Children's Foundation organizes various events throughout the year to raise funds. These include:

• Spring Poker Event in April
• Emmet Foster Rock-On Golf Tournament in September
• Fall Poker Event in November

These events are designed to engage the community and raise awareness about the foundation's mission while generating support for its beneficiaries.

Impact

The Bay Street Children's Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting pediatric care, education, and welfare initiatives across Canada. Its commitment to diverse charities ensures a broad impact, addressing various needs within the community.