The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre has secured a little more than $15,000 for its Healing Arts for Kids program, allowing dozens of children to attend the centre’s summer art camp free of charge and letting the centre buy new equipment and supplies for the camp.
The arts centre announced support from the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wise Guys Charity Fund, Niagara Community Foundation and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society.
The Healing Arts for Kids program is a no-cost, in-studio summer art camp aimed at children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend camp. Local schools and community organizations nominate participants for the program.
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre said contributions of $8,750 from the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, $2,000 through Niagara Community Foundation’s Summer Camp Grant and $1,000 from the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society will allow 47 children to attend the camp at no cost.
Wise Guys Charity Fund, a St. Catharines-based volunteer-run organization that donates funds to causes across the region, also donated $4,000 to purchase studio equipment and supplies for the program.
“We are deeply grateful to our community partners for recognizing the importance of arts access and creative expression for children,” said Rima Boles, director of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
“Art can provide comfort, confidence, and connection, particularly for young people navigating challenges. This support allows us to offer meaningful programming that is both accessible and impactful.”
“Supporting kids who wouldn’t normally be able to attend camp is an important part of our commitment to the community,” said Helle Brodie, Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club’s chair of community service.
“Healing Arts for Kids provides young people with a creative outlet that encourages confidence, connection, and emotional well-being, and we are proud to support its impact through the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.”
“Wise Guys Charity Fund exists to support organizations that make a real difference in our community,” said Doug Smith, chair of Wise Guys Charity Fund.
Bryan Rose, executive director of the Niagara Community Foundation, said the organization is happy to support efforts that “strengthen the health and vitality” of places like NOTL.
“Healing Arts for Kids demonstrates how arts programming can create meaningful opportunities for children to express themselves, build resilience, and feel supported,” he said.
The president of the Horticultural Society, Wendy Cadman, noted it appreciates the support of TASC Tulip Farm, which provided it with the tulip bulbs it sold at its bulb sale on June 2 — the organization used those funds to support the children’s art program.
