YNC FOUNDATION
Helping children in our community one act of kindness at a time.
Our Mission
At Your Neighbourhood Connects Foundation, we believe every child deserves to play, make friends, and feel like they belong.
It’s more than funding — it’s giving a child the chance to try something new, feel included, and be part of something bigger. The first friend, the first goal, the first splash in the pool — these moments stay with a child for life.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is simple: every child deserves to belong.
We exist to lift the barriers that keep children from participating in camps, sports, and community programs — because inclusion, friendship, and play are not extras; they are essential to growing up.
One child, one experience, one act of kindness at a time.
Financial Aid For One to one support
More than 75% of parents of disabled children say high costs for one to one support stop them from enrolling in their chosen camp. In London, Ontario, few camps offer free one-on-one support, and spots are limited. Hiring a private aide can cost $720 to $1,200 for one week. The YNC Foundation has a goal to provide a support to campers who need to in able to join summer camp with their friends without the additional financial burden put on to caregivers.
Financial Aid To Assist with Complex Care including Tube feeding
Imagine paying $2000 a week for your child to be able to eat at camp. This is the reality for parents of children requiring tube feeding support. Most camps require a Registered Nurse to provide feeding care at summer camp. All kids have the right to belong. How a child gets nourishment to their body should not be a deciding factor if they can or can not go to camp. But this Is the reality for many kids as the cost is just out of reach for most parents. YNC Foundation will provide the financial assistance and help families find a trusted registered staff to assist their child while they are taking part in programs.
Financial aid for Summer Camp, Sports and Equipment costs.
In London, Ontario, an estimated 20–30% of children live in households experiencing poverty, that is one in 4 children- limiting their access to summer camps, sports, and the ability to not only afford to attend these programs but to buy the equipment needed. The YNC Foundation aims to support families who cannot afford these opportunities by offering financial aid for eligible applicants, helping ensure every child can participate, learn, and belong.
Support for newcomers
Newcomers to London frequently encounter substantial financial obstacles when seeking recreational opportunities for their children. In addition to economic challenges, language barriers and a lack of familiarity with funding, and registrations can complicate the process of finding a program suitable for their child. YNC Foundation has a goal to help children and caregivers with translation services, registration assistance , funding and more. So children new to London have an equal chance to make friends and have fun at summer camp.
Cultural Connection
We provide support and opportunities for children from BIPOC communities — that is, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. Our goal is to create safe, welcoming spaces where children can see themselves reflected, share their culture, and feel proud of who they are.
By celebrating diversity and fostering understanding, we help every child feel included, connected, and confident while participating in camps, sports, and programs across London.
“Every child deserves to play, to belong, to discover who they are — to be cared for, fed, and safe. Over the years, I’ve done my best to support as many children and families as I can through your Neighbourhood Camp - a summer camp inclusive to all children. , but the waitlists keep growing, each year I find myself saying one more child, one more family just one more — and that’s honestly what keeps me going: one act of kindness followed by another and another. But the truth is, I can’t do it alone. Myself and my board of directors developed this foundation because together, we can open more doors and support more families. Together we can do more than I can do alone. ”
Who We Are
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At Your Neighbourhood Connects Foundation, we believe every child deserves to belong. That belief guides everything we do.
We Listen First
We start by understanding each family’s unique situation — their needs, challenges, and goals.We Remove Barriers
Through scholarships, sliding-scale support, and tailored programs, we help children access camps, sports, and recreational activities they might otherwise miss.We Foster Inclusion
We create spaces where children feel safe, valued, and included — whether it’s their first day at camp, joining a new team, or exploring something new.We Celebrate Diversity
We support children from all backgrounds, including BIPOC communities, newcomers, and children with complex needs, so everyone can experience connection, joy, and growth.We Act With Care
Every decision we make is guided by compassion, experience, and a commitment to helping children thrive — one opportunity, one child, one moment at a time. -
Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build.
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Your Neighbourhood Connects Foundation for Inclusion and Access is directed by a small group of volunteers who care deeply about children and families in our community.
Every member of our board brings lived experience — as parents, caregivers, and professionals working in childcare, education, social work and disability support. Through our own journeys, we’ve seen how easily children can be left out, not because families don’t care, but because the barriers are real.
We’ve watched parents struggle to make impossible choices. We have struggled ourselves.
We’ve seen children miss out on camps, sports, and programs simply because the support wasn’t there. And we knew that something needed to change.
So we decided to do something about it ourselves.
What began as shared concern turned into action. We came together to create a foundation focused on inclusion, access, and practical support — helping families open doors for their children to participate, belong, and thrive.
We are all volunteers. This work is personal to us. And every child we support reminds us why we started: because childhood should be full of opportunity, connection, and joy — for every child. One act of kindness at a time we thrive to make a difference.
Thank you for taking the time to hear our story.
Ashley, Tanya, Ghaida, Erin, Kari
Make a Donation
Every act of generosity—big or small—helps build a world that reflects our shared values. Your support moves us all closer to a brighter tomorrow. Please fill out this form if you would like to make a donation one of our team will be in touch soon. Thank you so much for your support.
