Organization:
Badge of Life Canada
Charitable Registration Number:
785599698RR0001
Name of Fund being applied to:
Smart and Caring Communities Fund
Address:
1 Scottdale Dr.
Oro-Medonte, Ontario L0L 1T0
Contact Name:
Laura Kloosterman
Title:
Executive Director
Email:
laura@badgeoflifecanada.org
Phone Number:
7053305735
Website:
https://badgeoflifecanada.org/
Amount Requested:
2,000
About the organization:
Badge of Life Canada is a registered national charity dedicated to supporting Public Safety Personnel and their families who are impacted by operational stress injuries, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We provide confidential peer support, access to culturally competent mental health resources, leadership education, and trauma-informed programming. Our services are designed to reduce stigma, build connection, and promote post-traumatic growth. Through weekly peer support meetings, community outreach, and partnerships with clinicians and organizations, we create safe, trusted spaces where individuals can share experiences and access support. Our goal is to support a healthier community.
Proposed Project Start Date:
October 1, 2026
Proposed Project End Date:
October 31, 2026
Please briefly describe the project and how the funds will be used:
This project will strengthen peer support services for Public Safety Personnel and their families in the Orillia region by enhancing volunteer capacity and program delivery.
Funds will be used to:
– Train and support volunteer peer supporters in trauma-informed, culturally competent care
– Deliver weekly peer support meetings (virtual and in-person)
– Expand outreach to local agencies and communities
-Support program coordination and resource development
This investment will ensure volunteers are equipped to provide safe, effective support while sustaining and growing services locally.
How many people will benefit from the project directly and indirectly within the geographic area covered by the CFOA:
Approximately 500 individuals will benefit within the region. Trained volunteer peer supporters will directly support Public Safety Personnel and their families, with additional indirect impact across agencies and communities as those individuals return to their workplaces and homes with strengthened coping skills and support networks.
Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:
This project is supported through collaboration with Horseshoe Resort, which has partnered with Badge of Life Canada in hosting and supporting mental wellness and peer support initiatives. Additional informal collaboration occurs with local Public Safety agencies (police, fire, paramedic services, and corrections) and mental health professionals who support referrals and engagement. Formal Letters of Support will be provided as required.
Please describe any in kind contributions/volunteer labour connected to this project:
This project is supported through significant volunteer contributions. Experienced peer support volunteers who do not require training will donate their time as “community safe professionals,” providing support and presence during training sessions. Additional volunteer hours will be contributed through peer support facilitation, outreach, and coordination. This in-kind support strengthens program delivery, reduces costs, and ensures a safe, trauma-informed environment for participants throughout the training and ongoing peer support activities.
How will success be evaluated?
Success will be evaluated through participation rates, volunteer engagement, and feedback from both trainees and peer support participants. The training focuses on suicide prevention, equipping volunteers with the skills to recognize risk and respond effectively. As trained volunteers support others within the community, a strengthened “circle of care” will emerge, increasing early intervention, connection, and ongoing support. Outcomes will include increased confidence among volunteers, greater access to peer support, and improved community awareness of mental health resources, contributing to a safer and more responsive support network.
Grant Request Budget
Item:
Training
Description ( if applicable):
Includes material needed for the program
$ Amount:
$2,000
Total Expenses:
$2,000
Project Funding
Item:
Description ( if applicable):
$ Amount:
Amount Requested from CFOA:
Total Income:
Budget Summary
Total Project Expenses:
Total Project Income:
Attachments
File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM2N3xmaWxlbmFtZToyMDI1LUJBREdFLUFGUy5wZGY=
Name:
Laura Kloosterman
Title:
Executive Director
Signature:
Date:
03/17/2026
Training
Includes material needed for the program
$2,000
$2,000
Item:
Description ( if applicable):
$ Amount:
Amount Requested from CFOA:
Total Income:
Budget Summary
Total Project Expenses:
Total Project Income:
Attachments
File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM2N3xmaWxlbmFtZToyMDI1LUJBREdFLUFGUy5wZGY=
Name:
Laura Kloosterman
Title:
Executive Director
Signature:
Date:
03/17/2026
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM2N3xmaWxlbmFtZToyMDI1LUJBREdFLUFGUy5wZGY=
Laura Kloosterman
Executive Director
03/17/2026