The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million in two projects to protect jobs and support the construction of Canada’s first purpose-built goalball court at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s (CNIB) Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka, and upgrades to the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Children and Youth Camp in Burk’s Falls. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

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This one-of-a-kind event combines the magic of live music with the mission of building a more inclusive world — and we couldn’t be more excited to kick it off with an unforgettable, exclusive acoustic performance by Canadian rock icons The Trews.

From “Not Ready to Go” to “Highway of Heroes,” “Tired of Waiting,” and “Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me,” The Trews have shaped the Canadian rock scene and earned a place in the hearts of fans nationwide. Their powerful, personal sound is the perfect fit for a night that’s all about connection, celebration, and community.

Your Impact Starts Here:

At CNIB Lake Joe, we believe every child deserves the chance to play, explore, and grow — no matter their level of vision. As Canada’s only fully accessible camp for kids of all ages who are blind, Deafblind, or with vision loss, your support helps us remove barriers and create lifelong memories for campers and their families.

Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship commitment helps us:

• Subsidize camp fees for families facing financial barriers
• Invest in adaptive sports, recreation, and skill-building programs
• Expand access to essential leadership and independence training for campers of all ages

As always, we’re proud to continue partnering with incredible Canadian talent in support of our mission — using the power of music to shine a light on inclusion, possibility, and the incredible potential within our community.

Want Early Access to Tickets?

Join our exclusive presale waitlist at cnib.ca/LakeJoeLive and be the first to reserve your spot when tickets go live. Saturday, August 16 will be a night to remember — and we’d love to share it with you.

Partner With Purpose – Become an Event Sponsor and/or Auction Donor:

We’re currently inviting event sponsors to be part of this extraordinary evening. Sponsorship offers more than visibility — it’s a statement of values, a connection to community, and a chance to make a lasting impact. Live and Silent Auction items are also in demand for this event.

To explore sponsorship opportunities and/or to become an exclusive auction donor, contact Steve Smyth, Senior Manager, Philanthropy & Campaign (CNIB Lake Joe) at steven.smyth@cnib.ca.

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The countdown is on — and the buzz is real! After an incredible presale, tickets for Lake Joe Live 2025 are now available to the public and moving fast.

Join us on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the stunning CNIB Lake Joe for a lakeside evening of live music, great food, and unforgettable vibes — all in support of Canadians with sight loss.

This year’s event features an exclusive acoustic performance by The Trews Acoustic Trio, set against a breathtaking Muskoka sunset. Get a taste of what’s coming by listening to their iconic hit “Highway of Heroes”.

Every ticket helps fund life-changing programs at CNIB Lake Joe, empowering kids of all ages with sight loss to build confidence, independence, and lifelong connections.

Secure your spot today before we sell out!

For more event information – Click here.

Let’s make this summer unforgettable!

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After the success of the first Cookout with Cuddy last year, the CNIB team was excited to bring back the Jim Cuddy Trio on Aug. 17. The event was held at the campgrounds in MacTier and offered attractions like a hot air balloon, a puppy pit and a silent auction in addition to the headlining act. The money raised at the event will subsidize the cost of attending camp at CNIB Lake Joe for blind people of all ages. 

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the overwhelming support we received this year,” said Monique Pilkington, executive director at CNIB Lake Joe, in a press release. “Events like Cookout with Cuddy are vital not only for raising funds but also for increasing awareness about the challenges faced by individuals experiencing vision loss.”

CNIB provides a wide range of free services to blind and partially sighted Canadians and their families. Their programs include support groups, employment workshops, tech training and more. 

CNIB Lake Joe offers camps for children, adults and families in fully-accessible facilities. A week of camp typically costs $2,500 for participants, but thanks to fundraising, families often pay just $150 per camper. 

A major component of the Cookout with Cuddy fundraising came from the silent auction. Items included guitars signed by Jim Cuddy and Taylor Swift, autographed sports jerseys, event tickets, and vacations like resort stays and cruises. 

Retired Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Wendell Clark and HGTV’s Brian McCourt attended as celebrity guests alongside sports commentator Rod Black. Black said the event brought in more than 400,000 reasons to say thank you to all who came, donated and partied together.

“I’ve been part of the CNIB Lake Joe summer gala for a few years now, and this one was the biggest and best yet,” he said. “Not even Mother Nature could spoil a night to remember.  Great entertainment, great food, great people and a great result.” 

Headliner Jim Cuddy brought in enough fans to sell out the event quickly two years in a row, according to organizers. He’s a Muskoka favourite, and the fond feelings are mutual.

“It’s always a pleasure to come to the Lake Joseph CNIB camp and play for the generous donors,” Cuddy said. “I love seeing the improvements each year. It is a very inspiring place.”

To learn more about CNIB Lake Joe, visit the camp’s website.

With files from Stefan Ottenbrite

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Last year’s Cookout with Cuddy raised over $300,000 for CNIB Lake Joe, a camp in MacTier that serves people with vision loss. Each week of camp costs about $2,500 per participant, but the camp typically only charges families $150 for a week of food, activities and lodging thanks to events like the cookout. Steven Smyth, senior manager of philanthropy and campaign lead for CNIB Lake Joe, said it was an easy decision to bring the Jim Cuddy Trio back after last year’s success. The CNIB team is aiming to raise over $400,000 this year.

“We sold out last year in a week, and this year is another sold-out event with double the attendance,” Smyth said. “People were reaching out to us for Jim Cuddy literally the week after last year’s event, so we’re really excited to have him back.”

Jim Cuddy and his team also donated to the cause following their performance in 2023. Smyth said it was incredible to see that kind of support, so just like the fans, the CNIB team is thrilled to see them perform again this year.

Everything about the event is bigger and better the second time around. Their team will offer attractions like a 360 photo booth and a hot air balloon ride in addition to the concert. The silent auction also has dozens of options from artwork and activities to jewelry and vacations. 

The items inlcude two concert tickets to Taylor Swift’s show in Vancouver with airfare included, an Alaskan cruise for two and a jersey signed by Pele. There are also concert tickets to Usher and Dallas Smith as well as tickets for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Raptors and more.

The silent auction is one of the biggest fundraisers for the camp, so each bid helps ensure blind people in Ontario can experience camp without barriers. To that end, the auction also has the option to send a kind to camp without bidding on an item.

“A lot of the kids have let us know that this is the first time that they’ve ever met someone who has vision loss because these kids come from all over Canada,” he said. “A lot of the times folks that are from a smaller town or whatever might not have that representation in their town, so they get to build a community and then keep coming back every year with the friends they’ve built.”

The most common feedback they get from families at CNIB Lake Joe is that the accessible spaces allow their kids to be kids. For many parents of blind children, to have a place where they don’t have to worry about their kids going swimming or tubing or doing countless other activities is a huge relief, Smyth said. 

During the height of COVID, the staff at CNIB Lake Joe created an online camp for all seasons of the year. Though kids have already been back at camp for the summer, they kept the online community going so that people can keep in touch. 

Previous fundraising events have paid for equipment like a rock climbing wall or a boat, but whether the funds go toward the facilities or camper costs, it all helps kids and families experience the joys of camp. Every dollar raised through the auction and the Cookout with Cuddy event helps foster friendships and fund important work.

“Camp is a giant family here,” Smyth said, “and this event is really what helps us get going.”

To see the auction items and make a bid, click here. Visit the CNIB website to learn more about the camp program.

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This investment will enable CNIB to expand its services to four seasons and to receive 900 additional attendees. Funding will enhance the camp’s resiliency and expand programming to year-round by providing better insulation, replacing baseboard heating with ground source heat pumps, adding LED fixtures, and upgrading windows in many of the camp’s buildings. Once complete, these improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 58% and greenhouse gas emissions by 83.10 tonnes annually.

Since 1918, CNIB has been delivering innovative programs and advocating for people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. These upgrades at Lake Joe will allow CNIB to welcome more Canadians with sight loss and their families to the camp year‑round in a safe and accessible recreational environment.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

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Guests got to explore the picturesque lakefront estate, engaging in a range of camp activities with VR goggles simulating diverse vision impairments. They experienced a heartwarming time cuddling puppies in the dedicated puppy pit, while savoring beverages from local producers and indulging in gourmet feasts. The crescendo of the event featured a mesmerizing concert by The Jim Cuddy Band.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and unwavering solidarity of attendees, the Cookout with Cuddy event has raised just over $300,000 and counting! We are deeply grateful to every individual who contributed to this outstanding achievement, as well as to those who continue to donate in support of CNIB Lake Joe.

David Throssell, on behalf of IG Private Wealth Management – Throssell Group, expressed his deepest gratitude for the incredible presence and unwavering support shown at Cookout with Cuddy. He said, “Your heartfelt dedication not only amplifies the momentum of positive change but also resonates deeply with CNIB Lake Joe’s mission, enriching the lives of those it serves.”

In addition to the attendees, CNIB Lake Joe would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the valued sponsors whose support played a crucial role in making this event an overwhelming success. We express our gratitude to Mantella Corporation, Medcan, Salex, Randy Blain Construction, Jayne’s Cottages, Sofina Foods, True North Log Homes, and all other sponsors who contributed.

The funds raised through Cookout with Cuddy will enable CNIB Lake Joe to continue providing essential programs and services that empower individuals with vision loss to live life to the fullest. These programs include accessible recreation, skill-building workshops, and personalized support that enhance independence, foster social connections, and promote personal growth.

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There are some incredible items up for grabs including VIP Passes to Sam Roberts Concert, tickets to your favourite sporting events, incredible art from artists such as Robyn Rennie, Michelle Vella, and Many More!

Bid on these and other fantastic items from the comfort of your own home, and support CNIB Lake Joe in providing life-changing programs and services to individuals with sight loss.

Don’t miss your chance to win some amazing prizes and make a difference in your community! Visit their website now to place your bid. https://app.galabid.com/cnib2023/items

Auction bidding closes August 12th at 7:45pm.

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Over the years, Brandt has continuously demonstrated its commitment to supporting CNIB and its initiatives, sponsoring various events and activities, including the CNIB Guide Dogs with Purpose Gala, as well as the unforgettable fireworks event on New Year’s Eve in 2020.

“Brandt has been an exceptional partner to CNIB, and their support continues to have a significant impact on the lives of our participants across Canada,” says Christall Beaudry, Vice President, Western Canada at CNIB. “This historic donation will profoundly shape CNIB’s endeavors in Saskatchewan, while also enabling the growth of the Mobile Hub and CNIB Guide Dogs programs across Canada.”

CNIB’s Mobile Hub is an initiative that brings essential services and programs directly to communities, both large and small, across Canada. The Mobile Hub team travels extensively, offering a diverse range of programs, such as technology training, employment skills workshops, and recreational activities like adaptive yoga.

The gift will also directly support CNIB Guide Dogs, an integral program that raises, trains, and matches guide dogs with Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

“The work of CNIB is a gamechanger for thousands of Canadians whose lives have been impacted by blindness,” says Shaun Semple, Brandt CEO. “Brandt is proud to offer tangible support for critical community programming through CNIB and its many initiatives.”

CNIB expresses its deepest appreciation to the Brandt Group of Companies for their unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with sight loss and creating a more inclusive society. The symbolic presentation of the generous donation took place on July 6^th, during a Saskatchewan Roughriders game, emphasizing the shared vision of fostering positive change in the community.

“As a part of the fundraising efforts launched at the game earlier this week, we have set up a text-to-donate line where members of the community can simply text CNIB to 20222 to make a $5 donation,” Beaudry adds. “We encourage everyone to join us in this initiative and contribute to the vital programs and services offered by CNIB.”

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