Happy Father’s Day! In honour of this special day, we’re highlighting a local group we’re proud to partner with, Oakville Dads!
The Oakville Dads Community Fund supports community members through the group’s local fundraising events and campaigns. Their focus is on helping vulnerable people in Oakville get the proper food, shelter, materials and education that they need. Donate here.
Originally created as a Facebook group for local fathers to connect, vent, recommend and share info, Oakville Dads has since become a major support network and fundraising group in the community.
Now with over 5000 members, Oakville Dads continues to put a positive spotlight on fatherhood. In 2021, Oakville Dads decided they wanted to expand their reach and set up a partnership with The Foundation, creating a Grant and Grow Fund.
Through this partnership with The Foundation, Oakville Dads is still able to raise funds for two main charities, Oakville Food Bank and Oakville Meals on Wheels, while also continuing to provide support to a multitude of charities and initiatives throughout Oakville.
“The connection with The Foundation is a great opportunity for us to continue to offer our support to our neighbours who need it,” said Jeremy Sims, the founder of the group.
Along with their Fund, Oakville Dads also established a scholarship fund through the Community Education Awards Hub, in which they gave out four scholarships totaling $4000 this year alone. Last November, they also supported the GIVEOakville Campaign, bringing two of the projects to full support.
“We are grateful to groups like Oakville Dads for stepping up and providing support where it is needed,” said Frances Pace, Director of Fundholder and Community Engagement at The Foundation. “As a community-focused charitable organization, we see the difference groups like Oakville Dads make every day.”
Oakville Dad’s continues to fundraise through a variety of annual events, such as: golf tournaments, whiskey and beer tasting, various food drives, and other seasonal celebrations. While maintaining a supportive community for fathers to share their troubles and to receive help from those in similar situations.
To learn more about Oakville Dads or to join the group, click here. To donate to the Oakville Dads Community Fund, click here.
To learn more about starting your own fund at the Oakville Community Foundation, click here.
Article By: Sanjana Bassi from St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School
