On Friday, Enliven Cancer Care held its 3rd Annual “Golf Fore the Girls” event, it’s largest annual fundraiser, complete with afternoon lunch, silent auction, 50/50 draw and dance party. This year, its organizing committee chose to double the size of the event, after selling out in only a number of hours in 2025.
At the event, MPP Graydon Smith formally congratulated the group on the work it’s been doing since late last year when it received a $48,200 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
“Our government recognizes the important role caregivers play in supporting loved ones through a cancer diagnosis,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “I’m pleased to see this funding support Enliven Cancer Care as it creates a new Caregiver Support Program. This program will help ensure caregivers have access to the practical, emotional and physical supports they need while walking alongside their loved ones during an incredibly difficult time.”
Enliven applied for OTF Seed grant to pilot a Caregiver Support Program over a one-year period. The program is designed to facilitate a sense of belonging and community involvement for caregivers of those with a cancer diagnosis. Funds from the grant are being used to help with some staffing, workshop, training programs, marketing, a workbook for participants and some administrative costs as well. Enliven understands that caregivers have unique needs, and require programming and community separate from those they are caring for, in order to maintain their own physical, emotional and mental health wellness.
Enliven aims to address those needs by way of this pilot project.
“We are all very pleased to be able to offer supports to caregivers in our community and we thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this wonderful opportunity,” said Carrie Campbell, Executive Director of Enliven Cancer Care. “Caregivers are part of the backbone of our communities and if we can help to create community for them, and thereby reducing caregiver social isolation, stress and burnout, we will all be better for it. Studies have shown that people who feel connected with others are better able to cope generally, are less prone to anxiety and depression and even have better overall physical health! We believe those benefits will filter back to those that are being cared for, the families, our workplaces and truly our entire communities,” added Campbell.
Enliven Cancer Care provides free compassionate care to those affected by cancer in Muskoka and Parry Sound. Its services include a wide variety of free programming, peer support, physical comfort aids, as well as other services, to those affected by cancer in Muskoka and Parry Sound, including the person who has the diagnosis, caregivers and families. Enliven’s mission is to facilitate everyone in Muskoka and Parry Sound to live well with, through, and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Enliven was created by Joanne McLean and Allie Chisholm-Smith in 2016 and today, Enliven celebrates the honour of serving its community over the past 10 years, as well as the expansions that have already begun.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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