About the Foundation
The Dillon Ojo Lifeline Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Elaine Charles and Francis Ojo in memory of our son, the snowboarder and artist Dillon Charles-Ojo, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 23.
To honour Dillon's memory, his positive social impact and the love for sports that he had, we work to help young people gain access to sports, arts, and organized activities.
Our aim is to support underprivileged youth by giving them opportunities to pursue sports programs, summer camps and other activities meaningful to them.
We saw firsthand the positive impact that snowboarding, skateboarding, and art had on Dillon’s life, and we honour his memory by continuing to find ways to introduce and support future generations through these life changing activities.
The cost of so many important developmental activities can be high, and for many members of our community, these can act as a barrier. Through this foundation we aim to help families and individuals overcome financial and social obstacles so that any youth who desires to be active in sports and arts can be.
Dillon was such a beacon of positivity, a beautiful light that illuminated his friends and community. His spirit continues to glow and inspire us daily to keep our heads high and make an impact in our community in his name.
With all love and support that continues to come our way through Dillon, we’ve been able to partner with and support a number of community groups, charities, and individuals in need. Some of the initiatives we’ve been involved with are:
- The Dillon Ojo Lifeline Foundation Bursary at Heritage High School in Saint-Hubert, Quebac. Our bursary offers eight awards, with three students receiving the Memorial Bursary and five students receiving Awards of Merit annually.
- Youth Stars Foundation and their anti-bullying workshops. This Montreal non-profit organization uses sports, arts, and dance to promote healthy living and teamwork in the youth sector.
- Balade de rêve through the Fondation le Renfort. This organization raises money and awareness—in addition to offering support—for people with autism in the Monteregie region of Montreal, Quebec.
- Flight School of Montreal. This football academy holds clinics enabling young people to not only realize their dreams but allow them to participate regardless of their financial means.
- JM Court, an indoor skatepark in Montreal that provides youth with a safe place to skateboard at a minimal cost.
- We’ve been able to fill Christmas baskets with coats, mitts, shoes, clothes, and more annually thanks to donations from a variety of supporting brands and individuals, allowing us to spread warmth and happiness when children need it most.