What We Do

The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund provides grants to camp organizations to subsidize fees for kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend.

Founded in 1901 by Star publisher Joseph Atkinson, The Fresh Air Fund has raised millions of dollars and provided thousands of kids with a memorable summer holiday they may have otherwise never experienced.

Each year, we help kids attend over 100 different day and overnight camps through contributions from thousands of generous individuals, organizations and businesses. Campers that are subsidized are financially vulnerable children and/or children with special needs, medical conditions or who are confined to hospitals and other facilities that otherwise might not be able to attend. The Fresh Air Fund summer experience helps them build self-esteem and social skills in a safe, fun and nurturing environment.

Today, just as it was in 1901, it is important for children to get away from the harsh realities and responsibilities of life - even for one week. This period of time is crucial to help increase, develop and benefit a child's emotional, mental and physical well-being. It is a wonderful chance for children to simply be children … to laugh … to play … to learn … to build lifelong friendships and memories.

Funds donated toward the annual fundraising goal help to subsidize camp fees for children who could not attend otherwise.

During the summer campaign, stories will be featured in the Toronto Star and online about the children who benefit from this campaign and the camps who serve them.

We issue tax receipts for donations over $10. For more information, and to learn about our donor attribution practices, please review our FAQs.

By helping children, we're helping to build a brighter future for our city - and the children … they are building memories that will last a lifetime!

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