Artsploration Program Inspires Students at Keewatin Public School

The arts are alive and thriving at Keewatin Public School, where students are discovering new ways to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with their creativity.

Thanks to a grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, the school launched its “Artsploration” program—an initiative designed to introduce students to a variety of artistic disciplines through hands-on experiences with professional artists.

Throughout the school year, students participated in four unique Artsploration sessions, each offering a different creative outlet. From shaping clay in ceramics workshops to experimenting with colour in acrylic painting, students explored new artistic techniques in a supportive and inspiring environment. Additional sessions in dance and music encouraged movement, collaboration, and self-expression in entirely new ways.

The impact was immediate and meaningful. Students who had never worked with clay discovered a love for ceramics. Others found joy and confidence through dance, surprising even themselves with their enthusiasm. The acrylic painting sessions resulted in beautiful student-created displays now showcased throughout the school, while the music program led to the creation of a brand-new Keewatin Public School theme song.

One of the most memorable moments came during the Grade 6 ukulele performance, which left several parents deeply moved—an emotional and proud experience for both students and families.

Beyond the classroom, the program sparked conversations about the arts at home, strengthening connections between students and their families. It also created valuable opportunities for the visiting artists, allowing them to expand their reach, inspire young learners, and share their passion with a new audience.

Most importantly, the Artsploration program made a lasting difference in students’ lives. It enhanced emotional well-being, increased enthusiasm for attending school, and gave students new tools to express themselves creatively. Confidence grew, smiles widened, and a deeper sense of belonging emerged. In every sense, the impact of this program was profound.

At the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, we believe that small changes can make a big difference—especially when they help people feel more connected, comfortable, and included. That belief came to life at the Kenora District Home for the Aged, where a $15,000 Community Foundation grant in 2024 helped transform the tuck shop into a more accessible and welcoming space for residents.

For more than 65 years, the Pinecrest Home Auxiliary has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for residents. The tuck shop has long been a central hub within the home—a place where residents gather daily with family and friends to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, share conversation, and create meaningful moments.

Recognizing the importance of this space, the Auxiliary identified a need to improve accessibility. With support from the Community Foundation, renovations were completed to lower the tuck shop counter, making it fully wheelchair accessible. Comfortable, sturdy seating was also added, ensuring that both residents and visitors can relax and spend time together with ease.

The impact has been immediate and meaningful.

Residents now have improved visual and physical access to the tuck shop, allowing wheelchair users to independently approach the counter, view available items, and fully participate in the experience. Volunteers have also found it easier to connect with and serve residents, strengthening the sense of community within the space.

This project is a powerful example of how community partnerships and targeted funding can create inclusive spaces that foster dignity, connection, and joy.
At Pinecrest Home, the tuck shop is more than just a place for refreshments—it’s a place where community happens. And thanks to this investment, it’s now a space that everyone can enjoy.

Music filled the air in Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls Township during the summer of 2025 thanks in part to a $10,000 grant from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation.

The funding helped support a vibrant series of accessible and entertaining concerts that brought together residents, visitors, and seasonal guests to enjoy an eclectic mix of popular favourites and classical music. The performances featured a talented lineup of well-known regional musicians including Lenard Whiting, Edward Franco, Ruth Girard, Olivia Whiddon, Norman Reintamm, Suzanne McIntosh, and many others.

Held at the stunning Northern Ontario Sport Fishing Centre on the shores of beautiful Lake of the Woods, the three concerts were spread across the summer months and drew capacity crowds.

Musician Suzanne McIntosh reflected on the special atmosphere created during the series.
“I was pleased to be a part of the event because the audience included people from across the region—seasonal residents, tourists, and many who drove down from Kenora for the evening. What better way to end a summer day than listening to music in a unique community setting?”

The concerts created a welcoming space where music became a shared experience, strengthening connections between performers and audiences while celebrating the spirit of community along the shores of Lake of the Woods.

For eight years, a dedicated group of ten volunteers from Comfort Quilts—with a core team of four passionate quilters—have been stitching more than fabric together. They have been stitching comfort, dignity, and compassion into the lives of palliative care patients across our community.

From their sewing rooms, surrounded by vibrant fabrics and humming machines, these skilled volunteers design and create twin-size quilts for patients at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Pinecrest Home for the Aged and Wigwags Elder and Senior Care Home, and for individuals wishing to spend their final days in their own homes. Each quilt is handmade with care, knowing it will offer warmth during life’s most tender moments.

In June 2025, our Community Foundation proudly awarded Comfort Quilts a $5,000 grant to support the creation of 150–200 quilts in the coming year. This funding ensures that more families will experience the quiet comfort these quilts provide.

Project lead and master quilter Judy Imbault shares:

“Our group does not know the individuals who receive the quilts, but we know that the quilts mean a great deal to them.” The quilters generosity and kindness have been appreciated by those receiving the quilts as well as by their families.

The impact of these quilts continues long after they are given. One recipient reflected:

“Every time I miss my late husband, I wrap myself up in his comfort quilt. It helps me to feel that his love still surrounds me.”

These are more than quilts. They are symbols of care, remembrance, and community connection. Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers, comfort is being delivered—one stitch at a time.

For years, generous donors like “Miss Cookie” Carol Wicks helped give essential support to people in our community. A former teacher in Kenora from 1968 to 2003, Miss Cookie established the “Miss Cookie” – Carol Wicks Bursary Fund for Beaver Brea Secondary School graduates and the Eric, Dorothea, and Carol (Cookie) Wicks Fund for Community.

Miss Cookie has been a consistent contributor to KLWCF over the years, with her latest contributions totalling $20,000. Thank you, Miss Cookie!

In 2006, the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation and charity Triple P.L.A.Y. (Positive Leisure Activities for Youth) created an endowment fund that has helped kids in need participate in sports and leisure ever since.

Triple P.L.A.Y.’s latest contribution of $30,000 brought the fund’s value to $165,000. Your donation helps give Kenora kids a chance to play and grow.