Since its inception in 2019, a visionary family foundation called In the Spirit Giving, born of gratitude and a desire to give back, has been making waves in supporting community-based initiatives in Halton.
With three core themes guiding their efforts—supporting Indigenous causes, grassroots environmental initiatives, and addressing food insecurity and homelessness—the family sought to align their philanthropy with impactful local organizations like Conservation Halton.
The Origins of In the Spirit Giving
The story behind the foundation’s name is as personal as its mission. Inspired by a family-favourite ski run called “In The Spirit” at Whistler Blackcomb, the name pays homage to cherished memories while encapsulating the ethos of their giving.
Rooted in the belief that life has been kind to them, the family was motivated to channel their gratitude into action by starting their foundation, seeking to create meaningful change in their community and beyond.
Supporting Area 8 and Crawford Lake
The foundation’s connection to Conservation Halton’s Area 8 and Crawford Lake Conservation Areas is steeped in personal history. Having lived for over three decades within walking distance of Area 8, the family has long enjoyed the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Kelso trails and Glen Eden ski hills.
Recognizing the critical importance of preserving the Niagara Escarpment for future generations, they were drawn to supporting Conservation Halton’s initiatives. As Canadians, the family also feels a strong commitment to honoring Indigenous people, learning from their traditions, and supporting their cultural narratives.
Aligning Conservation with Core Values
The foundation’s support of conservation projects like those undertaken by Conservation Halton is a natural extension of their values. With a deep interest in environmental causes, their philanthropy seeks to protect significant natural areas while making them accessible to the public. This dual focus ensures that communities can both learn about the importance of conservation and experience the joy of being immersed in nature.
The rationale behind investing in nature conservation and education is clear: nature is both fragile and essential to human well-being. They advocate for creating opportunities for people to connect with nature, emphasizing the critical role that parks and protected areas like those managed by Conservation Halton play in fostering these connections.
A Partnership with Conservation Halton
Working with Conservation Halton has been a rewarding experience for the family behind In the Spirit Giving. Regular engagement and updates from Conservation Halton, including a recent site visit in May 2025 to see the foundation’s impact at Area 8, have strengthened their partnership and underscored the shared commitment to conservation and community well-being.
Celebrating Restoration and Education
The restoration work at Area 8 has been a source of pride and excitement for the foundation. Describing the progress as fantastic, the family envision the area becoming a hub for families to engage with nature through activities like fishing, water sports, and observing the diverse flora and fauna. The transformation of Area 8 is seen as a testament to the impact of collaborative efforts in conservation.
Equally moving has been their experience with educational programming at Crawford Lake, particularly the recent The Three Sisters art exhibit by artist Raymond Skye. Such programming not only highlights the talent and voices of Indigenous artists but also serves as an essential educational bridge for visitors to better understand Canada’s Indigenous history.
A Vision for the Future
The foundation’s work exemplifies the profound impact that thoughtful, values-driven philanthropy can have, and In the Spirit Giving hopes its involvement inspires others to invest in a future where nature and community thrive in harmony.
If you’re inspired to learn more about how you or your family can make a similar impact, please email the Conservation Halton Foundation at foundation@hrca.on.ca.