[Editor's Note: A message from the OFAH Foundation Board Chair.]
In April, the OFAH Foundation held its first annual meeting, marking an important moment in its evolution as a fully independent charitable organization. Now guided by a newly constituted board of directors, I’m honoured to serve as its Chair.
As a longtime OFAH member, I share the same deep connection to nature, a concern for our wild spaces, and the hope that future generations will have the chance to hunt, fish, and explore the outdoors as freely as we do.
For me, this work is deeply personal. Growing up in Ontario, I spent countless hours fishing, camping, canoeing, and exploring the outdoors. These experiences shaped who I am and instilled a life-long passion for protecting our natural heritage.
Becoming a hunter deepened that connection. I’ve witnessed how hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts are united by a love of nature and a commitment to ensuring its health. The OFAH Foundation exists to help make that possible, and we’re just getting started.
For years, the OFAH Foundation was part of the OFAH Membership group. Now, we operate as a separate, independent charity with our own Board and governance structure. While this change may feel new to some members, it’s important to know that our values, commitment, and purpose remain aligned with the OFAH community.
Being an independent organization allows us to concentrate fully on conservation, education, and research. This means we can:
The OFAH Foundation complements its ‘sister’ organization in OFAH’s work as a membership association, supporting a balanced relationship with nature where sustainable hunting and fishing help protect the environment.
One of the biggest concerns we hear from the hunting and angling community is about access to lands and waters where families can connect to nature and enjoy the outdoors together. That’s why our work matters so much. The OFAH strives to:
By doing this we help preserve the lifestyle that so many of you value and want to pass on.
Our board is made up of people who bring diverse experiences but share common values centred on conservation, stewardship, and inclusion. We work closely with staff and each other to make thoughtful decisions that advance our mission.
Our strategy is guided by research and the knowledge of those who know Ontario’s wild spaces best.
Our natural world faces growing pressures that threaten wildlife and their habitats. These include climate change, development, and limited government funding. It’s clear that conservation outcomes increasingly depend on organizations like ours and the support of people like you.
To all of Ontario’s outdoor community: your dedication and leadership have made a tremendous difference in conservation across Ontario. Together, through the OFAH Foundation, we can continue that legacy.
Thank you to our current, dedicated donors. We cannot do our great work without you. If you haven’t yet included us in your giving plans, I encourage you to do so. I assure you that your gift will make a difference in our ability to protect Ontario’s wildlife heritage for future generations.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and dedicated OFAH Foundation staff, I invite you to support us in this important work. Together, we can ensure that Ontario’s wildlife, and the natural habitats on which they rely, remain vibrant and productive for generations to come.
Originally published in the Ontario Out of Doors 2025-2026 Hunting Annual
Learn more about the OFAH Foundation and donate
Contact Information
PO Box 2800 / 4601 Guthrie Dr.
Peterborough, Ontario Canada K9J 8L5
Phone: 705-748-OFAH (6324)
Fax: 705-748-9577
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