Emmanuelle Gattuso Donates $20 Million to Campfire Circle to Expand Programs for Kids with Serious Illness

Historic contribution will fund a new medical camp in Prince Edward County and bring year-round play-based care to more Ontario children

TORONTO — Renowned philanthropist Emmanuelle Gattuso has made a landmark $20 million donation to Campfire Circle, one of Ontario’s leading children’s charities dedicated to bringing joy and healing to children living with serious illnesses. The gift marks one of the largest individual contributions in the organization’s history and will empower Campfire Circle to expand its reach from 3,000 to 10,000 children annually by 2030.

Gattuso’s donation will support two transformative initiatives: expanding Campfire Circle’s in-hospital programs across Ontario and building a new medically supported overnight camp in Prince Edward County, designed to welcome children living with a wide range of serious medical conditions.

“Camp gives kids the freedom to just be kids again,” said Emmanuelle Gattuso. “With this gift, I want to make sure thousands more children can discover joy, adventure and connection, no matter what illness they’re facing.”

Expanding the Mission: From Cancer to All Serious Illnesses

Formerly known as Camp Ooch and Camp Trillium, Campfire Circle has evolved beyond its original focus on childhood cancer to include children with heart disease, sickle cell disease, blood disorders, organ failure, and transplant recovery.

More than 40,000 children in Ontario currently live with life-impacting conditions that limit their opportunities for play, friendship, and confidence-building. With existing camp locations in Muskoka and Waterford already at full capacity, the new Prince Edward County facility and expanded hospital partnerships will ensure more children experience the transformative power of camp.

“When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, so much of their childhood is put on pause,” said Alex Robertson, CEO of Campfire Circle. “This extraordinary gift will help us expand our programs so more children can access critical play-based programs that were once out of reach.”

Healing Through Happiness

Campfire Circle delivers year-round, medically supported programs free of charge to families. The charity is also the official play provider for Ontario’s major pediatric hospitals, including:

• The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto

• McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton

• Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre

• CHEO in Ottawa

These in-hospital and community-based programs use play as therapy — helping children build resilience, reduce isolation, and regain confidence during treatment and recovery.

A Legacy of Compassion

Emmanuelle Gattuso, founder of La Fondation Emmanuelle Gattuso, is widely recognized for her transformative philanthropy in healthcare and community wellness. Her $20 million donation to Campfire Circle continues a legacy of compassion aimed at improving health outcomes for underrepresented and medically vulnerable populations.

Gattuso’s hope is that her gift will inspire others to give, ensuring every child facing illness can rediscover the magic of childhood.

How to Support

Canadians can learn more, donate, or get involved at CampfireCircle.org.

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