North Shore Recovery Funds: A Community Update

This post is written by the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Executive Director, Nicole Dawe

Last week, I was grateful to be invited to attend two events on the North Shore of Conception Bay. A town hall organized by the Town of Small Point to Adam’s Cove to provide a report about funds that had been raised to support recovery and the North Shore Volunteer Fire Department’s Firefighters Appreciation Dinner, celebrating and recognizing the courageous volunteer firefighters who responded this Spring and Summer to the many wildfires in this area of the province. 

We’ve been focused on supporting fundraising for the area. After being in the community more last week, it felt like the right time to provide a more detailed update on the recovery funds. It’s our intention to be as transparent as possible about the fundraising and disbursements from these funds. We’re very grateful for the trust that donors, communities, and partners place in CFNL to steward donations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feedback: ndawe@cfnl.ca or (709)221-1030. 

Town Hall Recap

At the town hall, CFNL provided a detailed update on fundraising and disbursements for the Recovery Funds it stewards. 

CFNL began supporting the North Shore after the Adam’s Cove Fire in May 2025. At that time, the fund (Adam’s Cove Fire Recovery Fund) was focused on supporting volunteer firefighting equipment and capacity. The entire fund was disbursed in December 2025 to support volunteer firefighting and capacity on the North Shore. 

As this unprecedented wildfire season continued, two more funds emerged in response to what was happening in communities:

• North Shore Fires Recovery Fund – Because of the devastation of the Kingston Fire, communities on the North Shore wished to shift fundraising to support individuals rebuilding their primary residences. Thank you to the many champions of this fund who have been working tirelessly to inspire donations.  No funds have been disbursed from this fund yet. To maximize its impact, it will be used to fill in gaps presented by other funding sources. Once we have more clarity on those other funding sources, we will work to get these funds out into the community with care and integrity. 
• 2025 NL Forest Fires Recovery Fund – As wildfires burned across much of the province, CFNL, along with Community Sector Council of NL, Municipalities NL and United Way of NL, launched a fund intended to support community recovery from wildfire across the province. This was intended as a provincial fund; due to the devastation experienced on the North Shore, the partners have decided to focus the majority of the fund there. No funds have been disbursed from this fund yet. Partners will be working with communities and community leaders in the area to guide disbursements from this fund. 

Recovery Fund Financial Update (October 31, 2025)

Note – CFNL has waived its administration fees for all Recovery funds. 

Firefighters Appreciation Dinner – Saturday, December 6

“Even in the worst situations we find ourselves in, good often emerges. The support for the fire department and our communities is nothing short of remarkable. Our sisters and brothers in volunteer firefighting were with us. This province is full of people who want to help and do everything they can to help our communities recover. Time, energy, and effort were freely given by so many volunteers.”

— Chief Roger Gillingham, North Shore Volunteer Fire Department 

This was a moving and inspiring evening recognizing the many, many extraordinary and caring people who responded to the fires on the North Shore from the first one on Good Friday, in April, to the devastation of the Kingston Fire in August. This included fire departments from Labrador West to Pouch Cove, many of whom were there and recognized on Saturday night. 

Chief Gillingham told us the story of this spring and summer, acknowledging the many people who supported their efforts. You could hear in his remarks and from others why so many had so much respect for the Chief’s clear, caring and compassionate leadership, which was essential throughout this year. A leadership lesson for us all. 

The North Shore Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Small Point to Adam’s Cove were the driving forces behind the event, with funding support from Fortis and NL Power. Thank you for all your energy and care in putting together a very touching evening. You can read more about it here in this article from CBC. 

We were grateful to be in attendance to present a cheque for $67,426.39 from the Adam’s Cove Fire Recovery Fund to support capacity and equipment for volunteer firefighting on the North Shore. Thank you to the 419 donors who made this a reality, to the many community champions who inspired people to give to this fund, and to the North Shore Volunteer Fire Department for your leadership and courage in the response and recovery on the North Shore throughout this year.  

It’s our intention to be as transparent as possible about the fundraising and disbursements from this fund. We’re very grateful for the trust that donors, communities, and partners place in CFNL to steward donations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feedback: ndawe@cfnl.ca or (709)221-1030. 

New Voices, Shared Vision: Welcoming Our 2025 Board Members

Earlier this year, after an open call for recruitment, the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador proudly welcomed three new members to our Board of Directors: Mohsen Ali Heydari, Astrid Arumae, and Alysa O’Keefe.

Each brings a deep commitment to community and a wealth of experience across sectors, from economics and social innovation to law and the arts. Together, they help shape CFNL’s vision for a more connected, generous, and resilient Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mohsen Ali Heydari

Mohsen Ali Heydari is an economist with over 15 years of experience in economic modelling, financial analysis, and public policy development. He holds a PhD in Econometrics and has worked across academic, governmental, and private sectors to advance evidence-based decision-making.

Currently based in St. John’s, Mohsen is passionate about community development and inclusive economic planning, especially in support of immigrant communities and equity-seeking groups. His recent work includes designing ESG-aligned investment strategies and advising on regional development initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador.

He is excited to bring his expertise and collaborative spirit to the CFNL board to help foster vibrant, resilient communities across the province.

Astrid Arumae

Community Builder, Coach, Field Catalyst, Social Entrepreneur & Climate Action Lead. Obsessed with possibilities of Place.

After 14 years in Montreal, Astrid is now based in Herring Neck, a beautiful small outport community in Central Newfoundland and Labrador. Astrid is passionate about place, nature, and being in service of community — and deeply devoted to making contributions through her work.

For three years, she worked with the Tamarack Institute supporting communities and local changemakers in developing strategies and shared goals. Before that, she spent over 15 years in operations, leadership, and project management in the private sector. In 2020, she founded a nonprofit in Montreal focusing on mutual aid, combating social isolation, and social innovation for sustainable local delivery and climate action projects.

A serial entrepreneur, Astrid has founded six businesses since 2004, two of which remain active today. She believes that community, connection, and belonging are essential to our wellbeing and is inspired by those who work to help shift systems and uplift others. Astrid is certain that when we lead with care and trust, we create environments where everyone can let their light shine.

Alysa O’Keefe

Alysa O’Keefe is an Associate Lawyer at Cox & Palmer, where she helps individuals and families plan for the future through wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and estate administration. She takes pride in helping her clients protect what matters most.

Alysa earned her Juris Doctor and Certificate in Health Law from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Growing up in a family of business owners and health care providers, she learned early the value of hard work, compassion, and thoughtful planning — lessons that continue to guide her legal practice today.

Outside of her legal work, Alysa is deeply involved in the arts community. She serves on the Board of Directors with the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble and sings with the group as a chorister. With a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Vocal Performance from Memorial University, she believes in the power of music and community-building. Her passion for advocacy, creativity, and connection strongly aligns with CFNL’s mission, and she is honoured to serve as a director.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to celebrate 25 years of community generosity in 2026, we’re inspired by the leadership and vision our new board members bring to CFNL. Together with our full Board of Directors, they help guide our work to strengthen communities — for today and for generations to come.

Anchored in Hope: Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Fund

The Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards support Bell Island’s youth in shaping their tomorrow.

St. Michael’s Regional High School is in the heart of Wabana, a small town with a population of fewer than 2,000 residents, situated amidst the windswept landscape of Bell Island, just off Newfoundland’s coast. A scholarship at the school encapsulates the very essence of what it means to be a part of Bell Island: the indomitable spirit of its people, the value of community, and the innate desire to create a better future for generations to come.

Nurturing Dreams and Ambitions

Principal Jasmine Brazil – a Bell Island native and a proud St. Michael’s graduate herself – champions her students’ dreams and ambitions, all the while empathizing with their challenges and the significant hurdles they encounter. “Bell Island is a wonderful community, but we face the challenges of a dwindling population and limited access to amenities,” Brazil explains. “The cost of living is at an all-time high, so you can only imagine the struggles our students wishing to attend postsecondary school face today. Either they are working part-time jobs, taking out large student loans, or both to survive.”

The Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards

This is where the Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards, a bequest from the late Clarke couple that bears testament to their community dedication, comes into play. The $2,500 scholarship and five supplementary awards applaud academic achievement, with a focus on kindness, compassion, empathy, hard work, and determination. Doris and Leonard chose a spend-down model for their funds, ensuring that all their resources are used over the course of 20 years to support the scholarship and awards.

Jillian Kitchen & Vice Principal John Hurley

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Impact Beyond the Individual

Principal Brazil observes that the announcement of the award has motivated students to become more involved in their school and community. This heightened sense of civic engagement is vital for a community that can struggle with having sufficient resources to thrive. For Principal Brazil, the scholarship is not only financial assistance but also a catalyst for unlocking the potential of students as they strive to achieve their goals. “For many of our students, pursuing post-secondary education represents a first in their families,” explains Brazil. “These scholarships open up opportunities and make a real difference in their lives.”

An Enduring Legacy

As the tides rise and fall along Bell Island’s rugged shores, St. Michael’s students navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving world. The Leonard and Doris Memorial Scholarship and Awards serve as a steadfast pillar of support, empowering students to pursue their dreams. This enduring legacy will reverberate through generations, inspiring, uplifting, and transforming lives for decades to come.

Learn more about how CFNL can be a partner in your generosity with the Giving Guide.