Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes Welcomes New Fundholder: The Blackmore Blazing Hearts Fund

KAWARTHA LAKES: Life, sometimes joyful, sometimes stressful, has a way of stirring an eagerness to give back. Experience and compassion can prompt a desire to share with those in need and with those willing to listen and learn. As for Deborah Blackmore who grew up in Burnt River, she has navigated her life through its many ups and downs, with great love and support of her dear parents and her three younger sisters. There was always someone there to guide her through times of struggle. As the eldest in the family, she felt the need to be strong and supportive; no time more than when cancer struck the family. Her dad, John Blackmore, bravely battled cancer for many years before his death in 2016. Her mother Sandy has also faced the challenges of cancer. Their personal experiences were hard to watch, the tough treatments, the endless care and the huge expenses. The knowledge gained during this time paired with her gregarious and giving personality, Deb has found herself being a support to many. She is now eager to share her story through motivational speaking and mentoring. Deb is quick to share, “Dad is always there with me showing his support, letting me know I will be just fine.” After speaking with Mike Perry, an old high school friend now President of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, Deb has created the Blackmore Blazing Hearts Fund, named in honour of her parents’ commitment to firefighting and unwavering community involvement in their family home. Her ambitious goal is to raise funds to support much needed services for cancer care patients who struggle with the incremental costs of treatment. She plans to organize and present fund raising events where motivational speakers and music collide in a social evening of empowerment. The first planned fund raiser was cancelled due to COVID-19. In the meantime, Deb continues to develop her fund raising ideas and events while expanding her outreach, bringing together themes, motivational speakers and mentors. Going forward, Deb is aligning with like-minded partners who share her goals and objectives. She has big ideas she wants to develop, excited and open to whatever this may become. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is uniquely positioned to provide guidance, philanthropic opportunities, and financial management through its local, expert team that will help maximize the return of the fund’s investment. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes welcomes contact from local charities, not-for-profit organizations and community groups to see how it can help and from local individuals who would like to establish a fund. “The Community Foundation is bound only by the imagination of donors,” Perry concluded. “We have the flexibility, financial expertise, and partnerships to make good ideas into local realities for the good for all of us.” Interested organizations, groups and individuals may contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at: 705-879-2719 or Foundation President Mike Perry at: 705.934.2704, or via email at: kawarthafoundation@gmail.com. Visit: www.kawarthafoundation.ca.