Community

Giving Back

Community involvement is an integral part of the foundation and the CIC school community in helping students build character, develop life skills and work for the betterment of others. That’s why the Columbia International Scholarship Endowment Fund places importance in giving back to their local community.

Last year, CIC students contributed more than 22,000 volunteer hours to organizations in Hamilton and the GTA – participating in everything from walk-a-thons, food drives and tree planting to raising much-needed funds for causes that seek to address mental health, cancer and child poverty. These students continue to inspire us to give back to our local communities as well.

In 2025, the foundation gave $12,000 to support local and national initiatives supporting youth including Youth Mental Health Canada, The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario, Neighbour to Neighbour, Food4Kids Hamilton, and Telling Tales.

Hamilton Victory Gardens

Hamilton Victory Gardens transforms unused city lots into sustainable sources of food in a community where too many go hungry or do not have the proper nutritious food supply. As of 2017, 15 garden sites  producing thousands of pounds of fresh produce harvested each year are donated to 13 local food banks and food programs. CIC students have proudly contributed over 4500 hours of community service this organization through planting, maintaining gardens and harvesting vegetables. Watch a video of their experience here

Mission Services Hamilton

Mission Services Hamilton is a place where everyone has access to healthy food, safe housing and opportunities to enrich their future. The funds received from CISEF will go towards the Men’s Emergency Shelter, Inasmuch House – Violence Against Women Shelter, Good Food Centre (Emergency Food Assistance), Suntrac Wellness Centre (Addiction Recovery), Willow’s Place (safe drop-in for women), The 196 Afterschool Program, and the Afterschool Meal Program.
“If Mission Services was a body, our donors would be our muscles. Thank you for your generous and compassionate support. Together we build a stronger Hamilton.”

McMaster Children’s Hospital

McMaster Children’s Hospital is one of Canada’s largest pediatric teaching hospitals serving the healthcare needs of children and youth. The funds received will support the purchase of leading-edge equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, redevelopment of patient care spaces, and the education and training of health care providers.
“Your support is vital to McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation and help enhance health care for children and youth from across the region who rely on the teams at McMaster Children’s Hospital, including Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre.”

City Kidz

City Kidz aims to increase resiliency and inspire big dreams for Canadian children living in low-income communities. In 2017, City Kidz in Hamilton impacted over 1,600 children on a weekly basis and gave over 500 children a summer camp experience. City Kidz saved over $579,656 in wages thanks to 791 volunteers, who generously invested 41,404 hours of their time to help move their mission and vision forward.