Use of Funds
In the last seventeen years the Ride for Karen has raised over $2,640,000, which was used to help build and furnish new cancer care facilities, provide much needed resources for cancer support centres and send kids with cancer to camp.
The following is an overview of the charities that received funds from the Ride for Karen and how the monies were used:
2004 – 2018 Ride for Karen
Three charities were selected as the recipients of the proceeds from the 2004-2018 Ride for Karen. All of the monies were used to send kids with cancer to camp.
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Camp Quality
Camp Quality is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides a week-long camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer (receiving treatment or in remission) and their families.
Programs provide children with the opportunity to try new and old activities, make new friends and gain memories that will last forever!
Camp Quality also encompasses a Puppet Program where life-size puppets visit local area schools to encourage sensitivity about cancer and its effects.
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Camp Oochigeas
The goal at Camp Oochigeas is to provide an active, outdoor experience where children can acquire new skills and meet new friends in a supportive and caring environment. Interspersed with the sounds of nature, you will hear the sounds of kids laughing as they develop confidence, courage and a sense of belonging. And that’s the cornerstone of what being a kid is all about.
Camp Oochigeas is also proud to offer chemotherapy treatment onsite. This unique aspect allows children who are on treatment, as well as those who are not, to attend Camp Oochigeas.
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Camp Trillium
Camp Trillium provides recreational programs to children living with cancer and their families in both camp and hospital settings year round.
The Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre offers and promotes recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families together. The Trillium Centre provides an environment that normalizes relationships and experiences, helping them in the healing process and enhancing their quality of life.
2003 Ride for Karen
Two charities were selected as the recipients of the proceeds from the 2003 Ride for Karen:
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The Childhood Cancer Foundation~ Candlelighters Canada
Candlelighters Canada is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children experiencing the effects of cancer. Through a national network of volunteers, it provides support and resources to families and promotes on-going cancer research, education and survivorship.
In partnership with Candlelighters their 2003 Ride for Karen proceeds were used to send kids with cancer to camp during the summer of 2004.
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Wellspring
A Network of Support Centres for People with Cancer and Their Loved Ones
WELLSPRING provides a wide range of cancer support programs and services to serve the emotional, social, and informational needs of people living with cancer, and those who care for them.
Wellspring used their proceeds from the 2003 Ride for Karen to purchase equipment and library materials that are used by their metastatic cancer patients. In addition, money was also directed to help pay for Wellspring’s Metastatic Cancer Support Group and “Graduate” Metastatic Cancer Support Group in the Greater Toronto Area.
2002 Ride for Karen
All proceeds from the 2002 Ride for Karen were used to help build and equip new cancer care facilities at North York General Hospital. Life Sign Monitors and Alaris Double Pump infusers were purchased to help improve the quality of care patients received at the Ann Tanenbaum Chemotherapy Clinic.
