Mazinaajim Children's Foundation

Mazinaajim Children's Foundation
Type	Nonprofit organization
Founded	2009

Mazinaajim Children's Foundation is a foundation that benefits from the Step Up campaign.

In Anishinabek News

• April 2017: The foundation was established in 2009 by Dilico Anishinabek Family Care to assist youth with educational, recreational, and cultural needs. As of April 2017, it is involved with more than 6,000 children and families who face social and economic challenges. The organization is affiliated with 13 First Nation communities, including Fort William First Nation and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg.
• May 2017: The foundation organized the Dare to Dream Day in Thunder Bay to raise funds for supporting the development and dreams of children. The organization aims to ensure all children have opportunities to grow into healthy members of the community. The board of directors is led by Tana-Leigh Harty.
• May 2018: The foundation was established in 2009 by Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. It provides bursaries for education, recreation, and cultural opportunities to help children achieve their goals. The organization hosted the second annual Dare to Dream Day fundraiser in April 2018.
• April 2019: The foundation provides bursaries and opportunities for Indigenous children and youth to pursue their goals. It organized the 3rd Annual Dare to Dream Day fundraiser at St. Patrick High School in April 2019. The charity received a significant portion of a donation made by Matt Murray through Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
• May 2019: The foundation was established in 2009 to support the educational, recreational, leadership and cultural needs of Aboriginal children in northwestern Ontario. The organization hosted the third annual Dare to Dream Day variety show in Thunder Bay on April 27, 2019.
• November 2020: Proceeds from the sale of purple Step Up masks in 2020 were directed to this foundation. The foundation is supported by the annual Step Up campaign.
• December 2020: The foundation provided funds to establish a new floor hockey program for students. Its support aimed to encourage physical activity and promote wellness among youth.
• December 2020: The foundation provided funding for the logo initiative and donated hockey equipment for a new floor hockey program. The organization's support allowed for the logo to be imprinted on team jerseys and hats for youth participants.
• May 2022: The foundation partnered with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care to hold the 2022 Dare to Dream Day fundraiser. The organization has been hosting the Dare to Dream Day event since 2017. Funds raised by the foundation provide bursaries for children to participate in education, recreation, and cultural activities.
• October 2022: The foundation partnered with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care to host a reconciliation run in Thunder Bay. Proceeds from the Honouring Our Children Reconciliation Run help Indigenous youth pursue dreams, healing, culture, and sports. Over 700 people registered for the 2022 event to support the foundation's work.
• November 2022: A charity run was held for this foundation to support children and youth. Reg Niganobe and Mel Hardy attended the event to show respect for ancestors and support the cause.
• May 2023: The foundation organized the Dare to Dream Day event to raise funds for its bursaries and sponsorships. The organization relies on community sponsors to ensure their events remain free for participants.
• May 2024: The foundation co-hosted the sixth annual Dare to Dream Day on May 8, 2024, at the CLE Coliseum in Thunder Bay. It provides financial support through the Rising Eagle Fund, Dream Catcher Fund, Four Directions Fund, and A Community Spirit Fund. The organization grants bursaries for education, recreation, leadership, and community activities based on financial need.
• October 2025: The foundation receives proceeds from fundraisers and bake sales held during the Step Up campaign.