Friends of Murphys Point Park

The sun was shining on Saturday, Sept. 5 for the Friends of Murphys Point barbecue in memory of former Director and Treasurer Don Goodfellow.

The event was held to raise funds for a student bursary in Don’s name. With donations and proceeds from the barbecue, more than $1,200 has been raised!

It was wonderful to see both long-time and newer volunteers join in the festivities, and to see so many folks who knew and appreciated Don stop by for a burger or hot dog.

A huge thank you to Tara and Kevin not only for organizing the day, but also for taking over the reins as our barbecue coordinators for the past two seasons. Your work is very much appreciated! Big thanks also to the volunteers who came out on Saturday to volunteer. It was a a lovely time to socialize and to appreciate Don and the park. He probably would have loved it!

There will be more details about the bursary to come – stay tuned! If you would still like to contribute, please send an e-transfer to friendsofmurphyspointpark@yahoo.ca with a note that your donation is for the bursary. Tax receipts can be issued.

The crew, from left: Dave, Lynn, Pat, Steph, Kevin, Tara, Brian and Wendy. Thanks so much!

The Board of Directors for the Friends of Murphys Point extends a giant thank you to our fabulous Friends students Sarah and Amelia for their awesome work this summer!

During their eight-week Canada Summer Jobs contract with us, Sarah and Amelia worked to raise the profile of the Friends on our social media platforms with some fun and informative videos and posts, and they supported the Park’s natural heritage education through programs and events. Sarah, who was a returning student for us, coordinated the stellar astronomy program at the amphitheatre earlier this month. Amelia shared creative ideas for Friends products in the Park Store (watch for some cool mica merch)! They were both wonderful supporters of Friends’ activities and programs, and we greatly appreciate their hard work.

Hiring students has been a priority for the Friends almost since our inception 30 years ago. Many of our students have gone into careers in education, science, conservation and other related fields. The work of these talented students goes a long way to support Friends activities, and we truly believe in the importance of offering these experiences to young people.

Thank you to the Canada Summer Jobs program for supporting our student positions, and thank you to Sarah and Amelia for a wonderful summer!

Photo, from left: Amelia, Friends President Stephanie Gray, and Sarah

We’re hoping for blue skies and sunshine on Labour Day Weekend to host our barbecue in memory of former Director and Treasurer, Don Goodfellow, and to raise funds for a bursary in his name.

When: Saturday, Sept. 5 (rain date Sunday, Sept. 6) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Murphys Point Provincial Park Main Beach. Day passes or camping permits are required, so make sure to book online (reservations.ontarioparks.ca) or call (1-888-ONT-PARK, 1-888-668-7275) in advance. 📞💻

Come join us for hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips and drinks, all served by your Friends of Murphys Point! 🥤🔥

Cash or credit card only (no debit or Apple Pay).

We are grateful to have already received a number of generous donations towards the bursary, and we’re hoping to keep the momentum going by contributing proceeds from sales and any donations that day to the tally. 

Don was always very supportive of the Friends’ work to hire students each summer, and so many of our students have pursued school programs that support conservation, environmental and educational careers. In addition to his role on the Board and involvement with so many Friends projects, Don spearheaded our barbecues every summer for many years. We called him our “Barbecue King!” He was a kind, steady and patient volunteer, and we miss him still.

If you can’t make it to the barbecue but would like to make a contribution, please send an e-transfer to friendsofmurphyspointpark@yahoo.ca with a note that your donation is for the bursary. Tax receipts can be issued. 

If you didn’t know Don and would like to learn a little more, see our post at https://friendsofmurphyspoint.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3771&action=edit

We hope to see you at the barbecue!