Check out Canada’s largest dock-todock party
There’s a special fundraising summer event taking place across Canada on Aug. 15, and you’re all invited. And it checks off all the boxes: It’s virtual, socially-distanced and it’s a party-with-a-purpose – raising funds for the CNIB Lake Joe one-of-a-kind camp famous for its innovative programs to help not only those with sight loss but others with life-altering disabilities, coping with the effects of war, and just learning how to embrace life again.
Founded in 1961, CNIB Lake Joe, located in the heart of Muskoka, Ont., is a truly one-of-a kind camp and the only fully accessible camp in Canada offering a wide range of programs that encourage camp guests of all ages to develop “new skills, build confidence, gain independence, and have fun within a community of people who understand them and celebrate their uniqueness,” says Tara Oliphant, manager of philanthropy for CNIB. It’s for people “who want to experience activities so many of us take for granted.”
The camp is located on an accessible lakefront property that stretches over 12.5 acres on the northwest corner of beautiful Lake Joseph and offers such summer pursuits as canoeing, campfires, kayaking, cycling, water-skiing, swimming, sailing and fishing.
And here’s the thing: It’s open to everyone across the nation. Monies raised through initiatives such as the “dock party” go towards bursaries to help pick up the costs for a camp experience.
Every year for the last four years, the fundraising committee would throw a dock party at the camp. Well, this year, COVID-19 has challenged organizers to think outside the box – and they did, asking donors and guests to raise funds by hosting their own soiree. And if you don’t have a dock no worries – all party get-togethers will do, including back-yard barbecues, cottage meet-and-greets and even socially -distanced dinners on your own balcony!
Once you’ve planned your party, go online at cnib.ca/ docktodock and register it. On the day of the event, Sat. Aug. 15, you can tune into the radio station 104.1 The Dock, for a live telethon – the event will not only be broadcasting but also live streaming across Canada.