Grant-A-Week WINNER
United Native Friendship Center

United Native Friendship Center Located in Fort Frances, Ontario, our center provides cultural, educational, recreational and social programming for children from low-income and single parent families.

The center is funded through our local non-for-profit Friendship center and we receive additional money through fundraising. Throughout the summer months, we provide some amazing programs. A few years ago, Canadian Tire assisted us with acquiring 6 canoes. We were also able to purchase paddles and life jackets with the funding provided from a small grant from the Ministry of Citizenship, Recreation and Culture. During the year, our fund raising efforts enable us to buy food and some camping equipment. The remaining equipment is borrowed and then returned upon completion of the trip. With these contributions from the community, we are able to offer three canoe trips each summer.

Each trip caters for 15 children and staff. During these trips, the children/youth learn canoe safety, paddling techniques, basic first aid and fishing. They are also responsible for meal preparing and cooking the meals.

When not in use, these canoes are lent to our local Family and Children's Services, the D.A.R.E. program and various church groups. Each year, approximately 45 children/youth benefit from this camping experience.

Specifically, we feel that our summer recreational program offers the opportunity for our girls to feel good, improve self-image and self-confidence.

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity contact us