The JOI Centre Inc. exists to raise funds for the support of programs to improve the condition of children and youth in distress, as well as to create and establish children’s wellness centres in memory of Joilinn Edgar.

Joilinn was killed in a tragic car accident on November 21, 2009. She had been accepted to the University of Calgary, where she planned to focus on child studies and culture and communication. Joilinn’s dream was to work with children on a world-wide basis.

The JOI Centres will be  healing places for children: those who have lost friends and family members, hospital patients who have finished their treatment cycles, children with autism spectrum disorders, and youth in distress.

The JOI Centres are not intended to be medical facilities, but rather retreats; places to find quiet and welcome company, places to dance, to laugh, to create, to rest, and to heal in all ways.

Our short-term objective is to build a Board of Directors and raise sufficient funds to cover the costs of becoming a registered charity. We hope to make The JOI Centres a working reality by 2014.

The Y.M.C.A.’s Strong Kids Campaign hosted the 3rd Annual “Jump for JOI” Skipathon in August, 2012. with the help of many capable and generous supporters, The JOI Centre was able to raise and donate $1,200.00 to the Strong Kids Campaign – enough to send 10 kids to camp!

We have also fostered one of the orphans from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Little Barsalinga is one of the newest orphans to be fostered. On a sad note, one of the trusts’ beloved handlers, Patrick died at quite a young age and The JOI Centre has made a donation to his family.