Every child deserves the chance to explore their creativity, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s Healing Arts for Kids Summer Program provides a safe and inspiring space where children can freely express themselves through art. Thanks to the generous support of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club, 35 children will now have the opportunity to attend this program at no cost. Additional support was provided by the Niagara Community Foundation (NCF), whose contribution covered six spots in the program—extending the impact of the initiative to even more children.
On April 15th, Chris Hatch and Helle Brodie, representing the NOTL Rotary, presented a cheque for $8,575 to Rima Boles, Art Centre Director of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. This funding ensures that children in need will have access to a summer art experience that fosters personal growth and connection to the community.
“The NOTL Rotary has been a long-standing supporter of the Healing Arts for Kids program because we believe in the power of art to make a difference in young lives,” said Chris Hatch, Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club’s Chair of Community Service. “With the rising costs of summer camps, it’s more important than ever to ensure that all children—regardless of their financial situation—have access to creative opportunities.”
The Healing Arts for Kids program is a no-charge, in-studio summer art program that opens the door to creativity and self-expression for children who may otherwise not have the chance to attend camp. Designed to support disadvantaged children and youth in the Niagara Region, the program provides a welcoming space where young artists can explore their potential. Spots are awarded through nominations from local schools and community partner organizations, ensuring those who need it most can experience the joy of making art.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary,” said Rima Boles, Art Centre Director of Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. “Their generosity allows us to provide children with a meaningful summer experience where they can express themselves through art, make new friends, and build confidence. We also thank the Niagara Community Foundation for their support in expanding our reach to even more children this year.”
Over the years, the Healing Arts for Kids program has welcomed children from diverse backgrounds, including newcomers to Canada and displaced families. Art has provided these children with an outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with their peers and the broader community. One nominating organization shared, “I was very thankful to the Pumphouse for allowing these children to participate in Art Camp. It was a new experience for them, and I know they truly enjoyed it.”
At its core, the Healing Arts for Kids program is more than just an art camp—it’s a place where children feel seen, valued, and inspired. It’s where pencils and paintbrushes turn into tools of self-discovery, and where friendships form over shared creativity. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary and Niagara Community Foundation, campers leave not only with their beautiful creations but with memories, confidence, and a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the summer.
About Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is the art hub that connects our community by providing art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake (hence the name); the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. They give back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
About Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary
Rotary is where neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world. Our members pour their passion into completing projects that have a lasting impact.
Our club has been involved in numerous local & international projects: from eradicating polio; providing shelter, clean water and food; to improving medical facilities; and many more. Projects address priority needs identified by the communities they serve, to help people to help themselves, using environmentally sustainable practices.
About Niagara Community Foundation
Established in 2000, Niagara Community Foundation has raised over $82.3 million and has granted in excess of $27.5 million to charities working in the arts, heritage, environment, social services, health, education and community development sectors. NCF connects donor to causes and communities to resources, turning intention into impact.
