Campfire Circle's Paddle Project Brings Celebrities and Artists Together to Support Kids with Serious Illness

The 2025 Auction Features One-of-a-Kind Canoe Paddles to Fund Medically Supported Camp Programs Across Ontario

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Campfire Circle is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Paddle Project, running October 9 through November 7. The auction raises funds to support children with cancer or serious illnesses and their families through Campfire Circle's play-based programs in hospitals across Ontario, in local communities and at two medically supported overnight camps all year round. This year's collection features over 100 unique canoe paddles, each transformed into a work of art by a diverse roster of Canadian celebrities, athletes, designers and artists.

Actors Gerry Dee and Jay Baruchel crafted one-of-a-kind paddles for Campfire Circle’s Paddle Project auction, helping bring camp to kids with cancer or serious illness. (CNW Group/Campfire Circle)

Canadian icons Sarah McLachlan and Jann Arden lent their creativity to Campfire Circle’s Paddle Project, decorating paddles to help kids with cancer or serious illness experience camp. (CNW Group/Campfire Circle)

Artists The Crazy Plate Lady and Tiffany Pratt designed one-of-a-kind paddles for Campfire Circle’s Paddle Project auction, running October 9 to November 7, 2025. (CNW Group/Campfire Circle)

The 2025 Paddle Project celebrates the incredible talent and generosity of Canadians coming together for a greater cause. High-profile contributors include national icons Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden, Mike Myers, Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, and Jay Baruchel, alongside creative voices such as Caitlin Cronenberg, Maggie Devereux, Ali Budd, the Beckerman Twins and Indigenous artists such as Patrick Hunter. Local sports teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC, have also contributed specially signed paddles, showcasing how Canadian communities unite to make a difference.

"We're deeply grateful to the Canadian artists, athletes and community partners who lend their voices and talents to the Paddle Project," says Alex Robertson, CEO of Campfire Circle. "Their involvement empowers us to foster resilience, well-being and lifelong connections for children with serious illnesses and their families by providing kids with joyful camp experiences."

Through initiatives such as the Paddle Project, Campfire Circle brings healing through happiness to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families. By providing programs in paediatric hospitals across Ontario, community activities, and medically supported overnight camps, Campfire Circle creates safe, inclusive spaces where children can build confidence, connect with others and gain new skills. Ultimately, it gives children the rare opportunity to experience childhood fully, despite the challenges of a serious illness.

Select paddles will be on display at the Bonfire Bash Gala on November 5 at Fort York Armoury, with online bidding concluding on November 7 at 1pm EST.

For more information on this year's participating artists and celebrities, visit www.paddleproject.ca. Stay connected on Instagram at @campfirecircleorg and follow #PaddleProject or #BonfireBash for sneak peeks, highlights and behind-the-scenes content. Photos and videos of featured paddles are available at: https://campfirecircle.canto.com/b/MEES3

About Campfire Circle
Since 1983, Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium) has provided healing through happiness by providing camp-inspired programs to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families. Programs are delivered in hospitals across Ontario, at community events and at overnight camps. At no cost to families, these programs help improve overall well-being, build self-confidence and resiliency, and provide much-needed connection with others who share a similar journey. To learn more, visit CampfireCircle.org.

SOURCE Campfire Circle

MEDIA CONTACTS: John McAlister, VP, Marketing & Communications, Campfire Circle, 647-286-7675 [email protected]; Kate Daley, Associate Director, Communications, Campfire Circle, 647-299-7639, [email protected]