Two summers ago, Joseph Blandisi stepped onto Campfire Circle’s property in Muskoka, Ontario, as a player representative of the Toronto Marlies. 

But after visiting the facilities, seeing the area, and participating in activities kids would do if they were there, it became more for the Markham, Ontario-born player.

Campfire Circle, formerly known as ‘Camp Ooch’ and ‘Camp Trillium’, is a privately funded charity “that brings laughter and joy to kids and families affected by childhood cancer.”

The charity allows its campers to meet other children, families, or councillors who’ve gone through similar hardships in their lives. 

“Campfire Circle gives Campers the chance to meet other kids, families or Counsellors who’ve faced the same illnesses, had the same surgeries, or other Campers who know what it’s like to have a sick sibling. Camp restores a sense of normalcy, newfound strength and hope,” their website reads.