A $9,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation has helped ensure the continued success of a vital community program serving some of Kenora’s most vulnerable residents.

The Community Outreach Meal Program (COMP), run by Knox United Church, provides a nutritious weekly lunch to 90–120 patrons at the Kenora Fellowship Centre. Each week, dedicated volunteers prepare seasonally appropriate meals and personally deliver them to the Centre, ensuring consistent access to healthy food for those who need it most.

Originally self-funded by volunteers and supported through occasional donations, the program began to face growing challenges due to rising food costs and an increasing number of patrons. The Foundation’s grant helped offset a portion of meal expenses, easing the financial burden on volunteers and making the program sustainable once again.

Beyond keeping the program running, the funding has also helped maintain and attract volunteers—ensuring COMP can continue to operate with the same care and commitment that defines its work.

This program plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity in Kenora, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness or living in unstable housing situations. By providing reliable, nutritious meals, COMP supports those who may not have the means or capacity to prepare food themselves.

The impact extends even further. By taking on meal preparation, COMP allows Fellowship Centre staff to dedicate more time and attention to supporting their clients in other meaningful ways.

Yvonne Bearbull, Executive Director of the Fellowship Centre, shared: “We offer our sincere appreciation to the COMP which has faithfully ensured that the people we serve received a lovingly prepared meal. With the increasing number of patrons seeking help, often people in distress, the extra support makes all the difference in providing a nutritious meal to our patrons.”

Through this partnership, the Community Foundation is helping to strengthen a network of care—one meal at a time—while supporting those on the front lines working to reduce food insecurity in Kenora.

In a packed school gymnasium, students sat shoulder-to-shoulder, listening intently—not just to stories, but to a message many of them needed to hear. Supported by a $25,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, Triple Play brought “Project 11” to life across Kenora and surrounding Indigenous communities during a powerful four-day initiative in October 2025.

Delivered in partnership with the Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends, the True North Youth Foundation, and local school boards, Project 11 goes beyond traditional programming. It creates space for honest conversations about mental health, something increasingly critical for today’s youth.

Project 11 was created in memory of Rick Rypien, a former Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose player who was passionate about making mental health supports accessible to young people. Since its launch in 2012, the program has trained over 5,200 educators and is reaching more than 120,000 students in 1,500 Manitoba classrooms in 2025 alone.

In Kenora, the impact was immediate and deeply felt. The initiative included school visits, youth-focused activities, educator workshops, and community engagement sessions. Students learned practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and understand that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

A local health educator noted a troubling rise in student anxiety in recent years, with many turning to unreliable sources online for guidance. Project 11 offers a different path. “It gives kids the tools and language to manage stress,” she shared. “Students are hearing from their teachers that it’s okay to ask for help.” As a result, more students are stepping forward, seeking support, and engaging in conversations about their mental well-being.

Educators, too, have embraced the program. Following hands-on training sessions, teachers from the Kenora Catholic District School Board, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, and First Nation communities are now integrating Project 11 into their classrooms. Many have already requested additional training after witnessing improved student engagement and emotional awareness.

The initiative culminated in a community hockey game, bringing together the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and local First Responders, including the Ontario Provincial Police and Treaty Three Police. More than a game, it was a symbol of unity—demonstrating how partnerships can build a culture rooted in compassion, connection, and care.

With support from the Community Foundation, Project 11 is helping shape a future where every young person knows they are not alone—and that help is always within reach.

At Saint John Paul Elementary School in Kenora, something as simple as a healthy meal is making a profound difference in students’ lives. With the support of a $13,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, the school’s Student Nourishment Program is ensuring that vulnerable students and families have access to the food they need to thrive—both in and out of the classroom.

Grounded in research across nutrition, education, and mental health, the program recognizes a fundamental truth: children cannot learn when they are hungry. By providing breakfast, snacks, and lunch as needed, students are better equipped to focus, engage, and succeed academically. Teachers have observed noticeable improvements in attention and performance, along with a reduction in behaviors that can interfere with learning.

Today, the program supports more than a third of the school’s student population, with staff ensuring that any child in need is quickly and discreetly connected to support. Just as importantly, the program is delivered in a way that maintains dignity and fosters inclusion—so every student feels valued and cared for.

What began as a response to food insecurity has grown into something even more meaningful. Students who benefit from the program have begun volunteering to help with its daily operations—an unexpected but powerful outcome. By taking on these responsibilities, students are building confidence, developing skills, and strengthening their sense of belonging.

The kitchen has become more than a place where meals are prepared—it is a hub of connection, where students feel part of something larger than themselves. As one program leader shared, “Our nourishment program helps families to feel like they are part of a village and that Kenora is a good place to raise a family.”

Through this investment, the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation is not only helping to meet a basic need—it is nurturing confidence, community, and opportunity. Because when students are nourished, they are empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.

Nourishing Families, Strengthening Community: Food Security at Minto EarlyON Centre

In a warm, welcoming kitchen space at the Minto EarlyON Centre, simple moments—like preparing fresh meals together—are helping to transform lives. Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, families across the Kenora area are gaining access to something fundamental: healthy, reliable food.

As the cost of living continues to rise, many families are facing difficult choices just to make ends meet. For those experiencing financial strain, food insecurity can be a constant source of stress. The Foundation’s support is helping to ease that burden, ensuring that families have access to nutritious food while preserving their dignity and sense of independence.

Today, the program serves approximately 100 families, including 150 adults and 230 children. Beyond simply providing food, the initiative creates opportunities for connection, learning, and shared experience. Whether it’s preparing meals together or receiving support in a respectful environment, families are empowered to care for themselves and one another.

The impact is deeply felt. One mother shared, “Our family would not be able to make it through the month without the help of the Minto food programs. We are very grateful.” Her words reflect the reality for many—this support is not just helpful, it is essential.

At its heart, the program is about more than food. It’s about health, stability, and community. When families have access to nutritious meals, children thrive, stress is reduced, and households are better able to focus on work, education, and well-being.

Healthy food makes for healthy families—and healthy families build strong, resilient communities. Through this grant, the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation is helping ensure that no family goes hungry, and that every family has the opportunity to flourish.

Walking Forward Together: Honoring Truth and Reconciliation in Sioux Narrows–Nestor Falls

On a crisp fall day in northwestern Ontario, community members gathered shoulder to shoulder—Elders, youth, families, and visitors—united in a shared commitment to learning, healing, and moving forward together. With the support of a $14,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, the Township of Sioux Narrows–Nestor Falls partnered with four neighboring Indigenous communities to present “Waasa Niigaan Izhaada – Our Path Forward” in recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

The event brought together the Ojibway’s of Onigaming on Sabaskong Bay, Northwest Angle #33, Northwest Angle #37, and Naotkamegwanning First Nation—communities rooted along the eastern shores of Lake of the Woods. Together, they created a meaningful space for reflection, cultural expression, and connection.

Our Path Forward” was free and open to all, inviting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants to engage in a day of storytelling, dance, drumming, and singing. The gathering began with a traditional ceremony and concluded with a shared feast—bookending the day with moments of reflection, gratitude, and unity.

Events like this play a vital role in recognizing the legacy of residential schools and honoring the strength of survivors, their families, and their communities. Through powerful stories and cultural teachings, participants gained a deeper understanding of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools’ knowledge that is essential for meaningful reconciliation.

For many in Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls, “Our Path Forward” offered an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous Nations whose lands they call home. It encouraged reflection on how each individual can contribute to reconciliation in everyday life, helping to break down the colonial systems that continue to affect Indigenous communities.

More than just a single day of events, “Waasa Niigaan Izhaada – Our Path Forward” represents a growing commitment to building relationships grounded in respect, understanding, and shared responsibility. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, this gathering became a powerful step forward—one that reminds us reconciliation is not a destination, but an ongoing journey we must walk together.

A Community Foundation grant provides safety and hope for Kenora’s most vulnerable citizens

At a simple table, a deck of cards in hand and conversation flowing, connection begins to take shape. For many in Kenora’s street community, moments like these—shared over a game, a warm meal, or a listening ear—are a powerful reminder that they are not alone.

Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig has created a safe, welcoming evening space for some of the community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Operating twice a week from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., the CommUNITY Space offers far more than just shelter from the elements. It provides a place where individuals who are inadequately housed or experiencing food insecurity can access nutritious meals, hydration, and essential services such as washrooms and a phone—basic needs that can so often go unmet.

But just as important as these essentials is the sense of dignity and belonging that fills the room. Volunteers greet each person with warmth and respect, building meaningful relationships over time. Whether it’s helping someone navigate self-care, offering support for mental health, or simply sitting down together and listening to music, these interactions foster trust and human connection.

Each evening, approximately 50 people gather in the space—finding not only physical comfort, but emotional relief. Program leaders have observed a noticeable decrease in stress levels among participants, along with a growing sense of self-worth. For many, it’s a place to rest when they are tired, to find company when they are lonely, and to feel safe in a way that may be rare in their daily lives.

Through the generosity of Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, safety, compassion, and connection are becoming a reality for those who need it most .

At the Kenora New Horizons Seniors Centre, the sound of laughter now echoes a little louder, and the sense of connection runs a little deeper—thanks to the support of the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation.

With a $17,000 grant, the Centre has expanded its reach and programming, creating more opportunities for seniors across the community to come together, stay active, and feel a sense of belonging. From bowling and swimming to yoga, cooking, darts, and the increasingly popular cardio drumming program and chair yoga programs, the Centre helps older adults rediscover joy in movement and connection.

The impact is especially meaningful for seniors who may otherwise spend long stretches of time at home—particularly during the region’s long winters. By offering welcoming, accessible programs, the Centre is opening its doors to individuals of all cultures and backgrounds, ensuring everyone has a place to feel included.

As seen in the photos, participants beam with pride and enthusiasm during a cardio drumming session, an activity that blends rhythm, exercise, and camaraderie. Using large exercise balls and drumsticks, the group shares not just a workout, but moments of laughter and friendship that carry well beyond the class. Chair yoga is also a exercise class that is joined by many.

Beyond recreation, the Centre plays a vital role in the community. It serves as a hub for various seniors’ groups and provides administrative and dispatch services for Kenora Handi Transit, helping ensure seniors can stay mobile and engaged.

This investment is about more than activities—it’s about improving quality of life. By reducing isolation and fostering social connections, the programs supported by the Foundation are helping to lower rates of loneliness and depression among local seniors.

Together, the Kenora New Horizons Seniors Centre and the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation are building a stronger, more connected community—one smile, one conversation, and one drumbeat at a time.