Mission
The Esther Finkle Walk for Kids Fund strives to generate smiles, joy, and happy memories for children through the fulfillment of a wish, longing, or dream, at times when their families are facing financial limitations. Children have taught us that the realization of their smaller dreams represent stepping stones in pursuit of their larger ones. Esther Finkle understood the fulfillment of a child’s dream helped them recognize their intrinsic value and encouraged them to embrace life’s possibilities and potential.
In a world where children are vulnerable to being impacted by negative messages, conflict, and challenges, The Esther Finkle Fund for Kids relays the messages – you matter, kindness matters, and others care.
History
The Esther Finkle Fund for Kids was founded in 2000 in honor and memory of a woman who touched and was touched by the hearts of children. Esther worked with many families and children in her role within Child and Family Services. She was driven to help make children’s small dreams a reality and those who knew and worked with Esther witnessed her many efforts to raise funds. Her initiatives included such activities as organizing a hot dog sale, sewing a patchwork quilt and selling tickets on it, and more – whatever the endeavor there was always a tone of love, laughter, and joy. She believed all children, despite their family’s financial challenges, should have the opportunity to find joy in small luxuries that many children take for granted ie. a pair of Nike sneakers similar to their basketball teammates, a tuxedo for the prom, etc. Her commitment to children inspired others to carry on her important work. This is a legacy for which she would be so very proud and grateful.
Esther had another passion, in addition to helping children, and it was walking. She was faithful to her daily 7 km walk along the highway in Miscouche to the “base lights” (now Roundabout at Slemon Park). She was joined by her faithful friend and walking partner, Julia Albert, now a long-standing committee member for the fund. When Esther passed in 1999, the dream was born to combine her 2 passions – walking to raise money to help fulfill the dreams of children and thus the Esther Finkle Fund for Kids was established. Our first walk occurred in 2000 and we have been going strong ever since.
Granting Guidelines
The granting committee carefully manages fund distribution to support individual dreams of children under 18, offering up to $400 per child annually. Applications must be submitted by a community advocate or endorsed by one, and cannot come from the organization receiving the funds. The process is simple and does not require identifying information about the child. Requests should reflect the child’s personal dream, not just adult preferences, and group or seasonal (e.g., Christmas) requests are not funded. Funding for the same activity across multiple children is capped at $2,000. The committee prioritizes dreams over needs due to limited resources. For more information about the guidelines, visit https://estherfinklefund.com/application-guidelines
Your support is tremendously appreciated – here are a few other ways you can!
- eTransfer – send etransfer to info@cfpei.ca with reference to Esther Finkle Fund and send an email to info@cfpei.ca to confirm your name and address for charitable receipt purposes.
- Cheque – please make cheque payable to Community Foundation of PEI with reference to Esther Finkle Fund and send to 53 Water Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1A3
- Pre-Authorized Debit – CLICK HERE to sign up
- Gift of Shares – fill in THIS FORM and send to the Community Foundation of PEI at info@cfpei.ca.
- Estate Gift – contact the Community Foundation of PEI at info@cfpei.ca or 902-892-3440 for more information.
