On August 16, friends of CNIB Lake Joe from across Muskoka and beyond came together for an unforgettable evening, raising over $400,000 to support Canada’s only fully accessible camp for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
“What makes this event so special is that it’s more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of inclusion, independence, and joy. Every dollar raised translates directly into transformative camp experiences that help participants build skills and make lifelong memories,” said Eugene Chong, General Manager, CNIB Lake Joe.
Guests in attendance enjoyed an exclusive acoustic set from The Trews, snuggles in the CNIB Guide Dog “Puppy Pit,” and explored the world of adaptive sports, playing soccer, mini-golf and basketball while blindfolded. Hats off to everyone who, with a bit of coaching from event volunteers, was able to score a goal, putt a hole-in-one or get a slam dunk!
Lake Joe Live 2025 was groundbreaking – literally! Longtime supporter, Tim Hogarth, and CNIB President and CEO, Angela Bonfanti, sunk a shovel in the ground to kick off the build of Canada’s only purpose-built goalball court inside the future “Hogarth Hall”. This new multi-purpose building will welcome goalball athletes nationwide and provide an exciting program space that will be open to guests year-round.
Lake Joe Live celebrity emcees Joan Kelley Walker and Rick Campanelli kept the energy high throughout the event, and attendees responded, generously offering their support to ensure that more people impacted by blindness can enjoy the magic of camp.
Special thanks and congratulations to the winners of the highly competitive silent auction, live auction and 50/50 draw.
Supporters also sparked something big in the Bonfire Campaign, raising over $100,000 for camperships, opening the door for more children, youth and adults to experience the magic of CNIB Lake Joe.
David Throssell, Executive Consultant at IG Private Wealth Management – Throssell Group, Lake Joe Live 2025’s generous Presenting Sponsor, had this message for everyone who attended: “Thank you for being part of such a meaningful evening in support of CNIB Lake Joe. Your generosity is helping create life-changing camp experiences for individuals with sight loss.”
We are incredibly grateful to our presenting sponsor: IG Private Wealth Management – Throssell Group
With thanks to our generous sponsors and partners: Bella Terra Vineyards, CoCo Rum, Cottage Springs, Founders, Ground Guys, Gruvi, Muskoka 411, Muskoka Brewery, Muskoka Springs, Paradigm Events, Partake Brewing, Rahfish, RBC Wealth Management – The Knudson Wealth Group, Sapsucker, Score Promotions, Select Surfaces, Skyline Electrical Supply, Sofina Foods, Susan Creasy Financial Inc., Tasco Distributors Inc., Ted Reader BBQ, Ticketmaster, TPH.
A very special thank you to our committee members who make this event one to remember (in alpha order): Lauren Cooper, Jack Creasy, Helen Hunt, Sylvia Mantella, Jayne McCaw (co-chair), Kristi Pahapill, Genevieve Roch-Decter (co-chair), and Graeme Secord.
For more information about next year’s event or other ways to support CNIB Lake Joe, please contact Sherri Helsdingen, Manager, Community Engagement at sherri.helsdingen@cnib.ca or 705-241-2907.