one by one®: The Leacock Foundation
The Leacock Foundation is a charity working to address the inequality of opportunity for underserved and academically at-risk children. Among its areas of focus are literacy skills in four high-needs Toronto communities. Founded in 1992 by restaurateur Peter Oliver, the organization serves more than 1,400 youth each year. Included in the Leacock Foundation’s programs is fully subsidized literacy and leadership programming for children in senior kindergarten through 12th grade.
“We really believe the kids in our partner communities have potential—it’s just a matter of unlocking their hidden greatness,” said Jessica Murphy, executive director. “The reason their potential isn’t always maximized is because of lack of access.”
Kids get an educational, experiential boost
The organization’s regular literacy programs include Reading Buddies, Saturday Morning Literacy Club and the LEAP Into Literacy Summer Day Camps. The summer camps are the most popular of its endeavors and drew more than 400 students this year—plus there was a waitlist of more than 100 others. It was the program’s busiest summer yet.
A four-week full-day camp in July provides students with access to a variety of educational opportunities at no cost. The aim is to provide experiential learning to help children in areas of literacy, leadership, teamwork, communication, self-confidence and healthy active living. It takes a team of volunteers, certified teachers, education professionals and the small Leacock Foundation staff to pull off this impactful program.
“It’s not exactly summer school or a typical summer camp,” said Stefania Matarazzo, program director. “We hire certified teachers to implement the literacy instruction, and we strive to combine learning and fun, allowing kids to learn through play and make the most of their summer experience.”
Summer camp water bottles provide a splash of fun
The Leacock Foundation’s LEAP Into Literacy Summer Day Camp’s organizers used a one by one grant to purchase summer camp water bottles for the students. Participants receive the bottles at the start of camp.
“The water bottles might sound so simple but it’s something we purchase every year,” Murphy said. “It allows the kids to have water for the trips and during the school day. Not every school has air conditioning, and we provide healthy snacks and the bottles to help them stay hydrated.”
Students even had a chance to style up their bottles early in camp. They took part in a bottle-decorating activity with stickers, markers, jewels, buttons and other crafting items. Their newly personalized bottles stayed with them throughout the month-long experience.
A note from Cheryl
Organizations like The Leacock Foundation are doing incredible work to provide opportunities for children. They are making an impact on thousands of lives, and we were thrilled to contribute to their mission by providing summer camp water bottles. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.