The Ayalik Fund - Helping to Build Young Leaders in Canada's Northern Communities   

The Ayalik fund was established in 2015, and since then it has sent over 100 Northern youth on challenging outdoor adventures. Opportunities like this give youth a chance to grow and achieve their full potential.
 
Several clubs within D7080 have come together with the objective of raising enough money to sponsor at least two youths on an upcoming adventure.  With the help of the District’s Indigenous Resource Committee, they are approaching clubs within D7080 in search of donations. The total cost to sponsor one youth is roughly $7500; two youth would require $15,000.  A donation of $500 across 30 clubs in the district would meet the fundraising objective.         
 
The Inuit communities participating in this program have identified students aged 15 to 18 who could benefit the most from the program. Climbing mountains, long distance canoe trips, survival training and / or ocean sailing are among the many challenges a participant might face.  To help demonstrate the value of the program, the Ayalik Fund will identify the specific individuals our clubs sponsor and will ask them to share their experiences and their key learnings with participating clubs.
 
The Rotary Club of Burlington North has established an account to collect donations to support the program.  Members from the Indigenous Resource Committee are willing to make presentations to clubs within D7080 to engage members and solicit financial support.
 
We encourage you to watch this video from the Ayalik Fund, and then email Craig Macpherson to arrange a presentation about the program for your club.
 
The Ayalik Fund is managed by MakeWay Foundation (#868947797 RR 0001).  Laurie and David Pelly advise MakeWay Foundation on the grants to allow Inuit children and youth to participate in selected programs. Any donation made directly to the Ayalik Fund program should be made out to MakeWay Foundation Ayalik Fund.
 
In 2021/2022, the Rotary Clubs of District 7080 raised enough money to support two Inuit High School Students on this program.
 
The following is a video of a meeting with one of the Tall Ships in Port Colborne.