The Bruce Children Are Special Foundation

The Bruce Children are Special Foundation (BCAS), was founded on July 6, 2000. It is a non-profit organization that was established to receive and direct donations to the needs of children served by The Children’s Aid Society of the County of Bruce. Donations made are put towards programs not funded by the government.

Mission Statement: "To assist, enrich and have a positive impact on the lives' of the children residing in Bruce County with special attention paid to those served by The Children's Aid Society of the County of Bruce."

The Bruce Children are Special Foundation is very fortunate to be able to work with other great non-profit organizations such as the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, as well as United Way of Bruce Grey.

Bruce Children are Special Foundation's Programs

Summer Camp

Each year, the Bruce Children are Special Foundation pays the registration costs for children who would benefit from a camp experience, but cannot afford the fee.

College Bursaries

The Bruce Children are Special Foundation offers college bursaries to children who are attending post secondary education in order to help with the cost.

Christmas Hampers

This program annually fund personalized Christmas Hampers for children that are in need of assistance over the Christmas season. The hampers include a voucher to help pay for a Christmas dinner.

Adopt-A-Family

This program is a more personal and fun way to donate. A family, or group of people, “adopt” a family over the Christmas season. The sponsor will purchase gifts, along with food for their Christmas dinner, for the family they are adopting from their wish list.

Smoke Detectors and Batteries

This is a new program that was established to help clients within Bruce County with the cost of Smoke Detectors and 9 volt batteries. The clients are now able to get these items free of cost whenever they are in need in order to ensure their safety. Thank you to the Walkerton Fire Department and the Walkerton Fire Fighters Association for providing the Smoke Detectors, as well as Energizer Canada for providing the 9 volt batteries.

Hug-A-Bears for Traumatized Children

When a child has been through a traumatizing experience, we provide a Hug-A-Bear for them as an extra friend to help. Each bear was hand made by the Port Elgin United Church members and are kept at the office, as well as the cars of volunteer drivers. This program is to help ensure no child feels alone.

Special Requests

Families often have extra expenses that they are unable to afford, but the need is still present. The Bruce Children are Special Foundation helps to fund these requests. Some past examples include: cribs, car seats, beds, dental work, prom dresses and computer payment.

Additional Programs

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program is open to any community member who is struggling financially, but would like to register their child in an activity. Some examples include girl guides, cubs, soccer, cheerleading and hockey. The programs can help fund registration fees and equipment costs for children ages 4 - 18.  For more information about Canadian Tire Jumpstart, feel free to visit their website www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart/.

United Way of Grey Bruce Backpack Program

Each September, United Way of Grey Bruce coordinates a backpack program for the community. The Bruce Children are Special Foundation works with them in order to provide backpacks to people who are in need.

More detailed information for all of our programs is available upon request.