Hello ,

With the school year behind us and summer well underway, there's been plenty happening at Merrymount. We're excited to share some of the moments, milestones, and community support from the past few weeks.

In this edition, you'll find highlights from recent events, updates from around Merrymount, and a few things we're looking forward to. As always, we're grateful to everyone who helps make this work possible.

We hope you enjoy catching up, and if you know someone who would enjoy hearing from us, please feel free to share our newsletter with them.

Thank you for being here with us! 

Your friends at Merrymount

🏌️‍♂️Thank You for Joining Us on the Greens for

Child Mental Wellness🏌️‍♂️

What a day!

Our Annual Golf Classic returned to FireRock Golf Club on June 23 for a memorable day of golf, connection, and community. Together, we raised more than $31,000 in support of our Child Mental Wellness Program.

Events like this are truly a community effort, and we're so grateful to everyone who helped make the day possible. Thank you to our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, donors, silent auction donors, and everyone who bid or lent a hand behind the scenes. A big thank you to McDonald's Dundas Street East location for generously providing coffee, Tanggo's Food Truck for joining us on site, and our photographers, Tammy and Brian, who captured the day so beautifully.

See the smiles, the swings, and the special moments that made the day one to remember. Click here to view the event photo gallery.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsors, Southside Group and Damian Warner Fitness Centre, whose continued partnership helps make this event possible year after year.

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Gala

Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 5, 2026, and join us at Bellamere Winery & Event Centre for the 2026 Merrymount Annual Gala, presented by Rembrandt Homes.

Inspired by this year's theme, Light the Way, this unforgettable evening will bring our community together in support of our Child Mental Wellness Program. We hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for more details.

5th Annual Jeep Fest

With beautiful weather and a great turnout, the 5th Annual Jeep Fest on May 9 at Oxford Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram was a fun day for Jeep enthusiasts, families, and community members.

A heartfelt thank you to the London & Area Jeep Owners Club and Oxford Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for once again choosing Merrymount as the event's charitable partner. Thanks to their continued support, along with everyone who attended and contributed, the event raised $3,500.

We're grateful to everyone who helped make the event a success and look forward to next year!

Highlights from Our

2026 Annual General Meeting

At this year’s Annual General Meeting, we were proud to recognize four incredible team members for reaching milestones of 10, 25, 30, and 35 years of service with Merrymount. Pictured above between Sarah Hutchison (Board President) and Michelle Franklin (Executive Director) are two of this year’s honourees. 

Every year of service represents countless moments of care, compassion, and support for children and families in our community. We’re grateful for the commitment, knowledge, and heart our staff bring to Merrymount each and every day.

Congratulations to all of this year’s milestone recipients, and thank you for the lasting difference you make. 

We were also proud to recognize this year's award recipients. Pictured above are (left to right): Rembrandt Homes, Kate LaRouche, and Serenity S.

Rembrandt Homes received the Annual Community Champion Award, presented to a business, organization, or individual for their outstanding contribution to Merrymount. Kate LaRouche received the Ailene Wittstein Legacy Award, which recognizes a Merrymount volunteer for exceptional dedication and service. Learn more about her in this issue's Volunteer Spotlight. Serenity S. received the Terrielyn Kluke Children's Award, presented in memory of Terrielyn Kluke to celebrate a child who embodies her joyful spirit.

Congratulations to all three of this year's deserving recipients.

Another highlight of the meeting was celebrating the winners of our 2026 T-Shirt Art Contest. Earlier this year, children connected to Merrymount were invited to create an original T-shirt design, and we were thrilled to receive so many creative entries.

Congratulations to our three winners: Ana (age 5), Carson (age 7), and Ella (age 10)! Their winning designs are now featured on Merrymount T-shirts (now available for purchase here).



A big thank you to every child who participated. We loved seeing the creativity and imagination in every submission.

New Programs in Elgin County:

Secure Roots Programming

We're pleased to expand our parenting programming to Elgin County with new group opportunities for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–6.

Circle of Security Parenting Program

Build stronger family relationships through this evidence-informed parenting program. Groups are currently being offered virtually in Elgin County, with in-person groups coming this summer. (Please note: this program also runs in-person at our Merrymount London location.)

Secure Connections Playgroups

These attachment-focused playgroups help strengthen connections between parents, caregivers, and young children. Programs are available at Merrymount's St. Thomas location and at partner agencies across Elgin County.

To learn more about these programs, please visit www.merrymount.on.ca/parenting-groups.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kate LaRouche

Some volunteers leave a lasting impression simply by being themselves. Kate LaRouche is one of those people.

As a volunteer co-facilitator with Merrymount's ADHD groups, Kate's patient, caring approach helps children feel safe, supported, and understood. In recognition of her outstanding dedication, Kate was presented with the 2026 Ailene Wittstein Legacy Award at our Annual General Meeting.

We asked Kate to share what inspired her to volunteer with Merrymount and what this experience has meant to her. Read the full interview here.



Donor Spotlight: North London Key Club

Community support comes in many forms, and the North London Key Club has found a meaningful way to make a difference. Their generous donation of children's birthday kits to Merrymount is a wonderful example of how young people are making a positive impact in our community. These kits are thoughtfully packed with everything a child needs to celebrate their special day, including cake supplies, toys, and party favours and are guaranteed to make the birthday child smile!

We asked the team to share more about their organization, what inspires their commitment to giving back, and the story behind their birthday kit initiative. You can read more about it here.

Thank you, North London Key Club, for helping make our community stronger.

We're Getting Ready for the Pride Parade

Our team is busy putting the finishing touches on our Pride Parade decorations, and we can't wait to celebrate with our community on Sunday, July 19!

The parade begins at 12:00 p.m. from the Western Fair District, and we'd love for you to join us. Everyone is welcome to walk alongside Merrymount as we celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and community.



If you'd like to join us, please email honeill@merrymount.on.ca.

Moments that Matter

“This program has been great for helping our family learn to integrate my child’s positive and negative ADHD traits into our everyday lives to create stronger bonds and more positive interactions.”

~ Shared by a parent in our Understanding ADHD Parent and Child Concurrent Program.

To learn more about our programs, please visit our website.

Make a Difference Today

Rooted in the community for over 150 years, Merrymount continues to support families when it matters most. Help us continue this work. Every donation helps carry our legacy forward.

If you and your family need Merrymount’s help,

call us at 519-434-6848