Founded in Stratford, Ontario, The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety wants the water to be a safer place for people to work and play.
It aims to raise water and boating safety awareness, and reduce the significant number of preventable water-related fatalities that occur in Canada every year. It funds public educational programmes, and provides essential equipment and training to make water and boating-related rescue safer, and recovery efforts more effective.
The Fund was established in memory of loved ones lost in a boating-related accident in 1998, and is a registered Canadian charity. It was founded by Canadian singer and composer Loreena McKennitt, with the support of the Cook and Rees families and friends, following this tragedy. Since its inception, The Fund has supported water safety initiatives across Canada through education, research, training and equipment, working in collaboration with organizations and experts dedicated to saving lives.
“More than 400 water-related fatalities and many more injuries occur in Canada every year. With increased education, research, and public awareness, many such incidents could be prevented. For anyone who has experienced such a tragedy, one of the few consolations is to hope that one can assist in changing things for the better.” - Loreena McKennitt, Fund Founder
DonateSince its inception, The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety has raised more than $4 million to advance water safety awareness, education and injury prevention across Canada. The Fund’s work benefits children and families, schools, community organizations, municipalities, and volunteer first responders, with support reaching 29 organizations, including the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Lifesaving Society, the Canadian Safe Boating Council, and the Water Incident Research Alliance.
Funds raised support public education initiatives such as national safe boating publications and public service announcements, the distribution of water safety teaching resources at community events, and the sponsorship of safety events, awareness days, forums and conferences. The Fund also supports research and researcher participation in national and international conferences, and provides critical safety and rescue equipment to organizations working on the front lines of water and boating safety.
The links below connect you to trusted Canadian and international organizations dedicated to safety education, prevention, and response. These groups are leaders in water safety, boating safety, search and rescue, and injury prevention, offering research, training programs, public education, and practical resources to help keep individuals, families, and communities safe.
Through The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety, funding is provided to organizations working on the front lines of safety, education, and rescue. Now administered by the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation, The Fund continues its commitment to supporting projects that help keep people safe in, on, and around the water.
The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety supports initiatives that advance water safety, boating safety, search and rescue, injury prevention, and public education. Before applying, review The Fund’s focus areas and eligibility criteria to ensure your project aligns with its mission.
All applications to The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety are submitted through the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation grant portal. Applicants will be guided through the Foundation’s online application form.
Apply Here
Applications are reviewed in consultation with the Foundation and The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety advisors. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process and funding decisions will be communicated directly.
The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety is supported through the generosity of individual donors, memorial gifts, community partners, and foundations, as well as the longstanding fundraising efforts of Loreena McKennitt. Whether you are making a personal contribution, honouring a loved one through a memorial donation, or supporting The Fund as a private donor, your gift helps advance education, research, and life-saving initiatives that make Canada’s waterways safer for everyone.
The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund For Water Search And Safety is a registered charity. Our charitable registration number is 87530 0808 RR0001. For more information about registered charities, please visit the relevant pages on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
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