Amici – Canoe Heads for Kids 2025
Scope
Event video production | Charity storytelling | Community-driven media
Overview
Each year, Canoe Heads for Kids brings together supporters of Amici Children’s Camp Charity for a uniquely Canadian fundraising event — a portage across Toronto followed by a group paddle along the waterfront. Originally slated to film in 2024, we made the joint decision to delay production by a year due to inclement weather. This led to a stronger outcome and ideal visual conditions for capturing the full spirit of the event.
Creative Roles
I remote directed and produced the final event video, working with a compact crew to ensure minimal footprint on the course while still capturing all key moments. We structured our shoot to reflect the rhythm of the day: setup, portage, paddle, and post-race celebrations. Alongside dynamic B-roll, we recorded interviews with Amici leadership, event co-chairs, participants, and campers — shaping a cohesive narrative that emphasized purpose and impact.
Approach
Our production rig was intentionally light to keep pace with the event’s moving pieces while ensuring broadcast-quality visuals. Camera staging was carefully considered to showcase the urban-natural contrast of the route and highlight participant energy. Interviews were filmed with care to draw out personal motivations and the value of Amici’s work in the lives of campers. Post-production was completed in-kind as a donation to the charity.
Outcome
The final product is a powerful, upbeat event video that shares both the heart of Amici’s mission and the infectious energy of Canoe Heads for Kids. It now serves as a key communications asset — highlighting the event’s success in raising nearly $300,000 to send more children to overnight camps across Ontario. In addition to the main recap, we delivered a standalone testimonial from Cici, a camper supported through Amici, whose story added a personal and emotional anchor to the event’s broader impact. By weaving together leadership voices, participant energy, and camper experience, the project reinforces the long-term value of community-driven giving.