We've improved our online donation process. Learn more.

Welcome

Why The Gift Fund Was Established

Mathew Eckert was truly one of a kind. His mission in life was to bring light into the lives of others—whether it was through his singing and dancing, his terrible (but always funny) jokes, his thoughtful check-ins, a helping hand, a listening ear without judgment, or simply by standing steadfastly in someone’s corner. Mat lived with purpose, committed to creating opportunities and mentoring those around him.
 
Tragically, Mat’s life was cut short on May 23rd, 2025, at the age of 33, in a car accident while he was on his way home from a school baseball tournament. 
 
In honour of his remarkable spirit, the Mathew Eckert Charitable Gift Fund was established in December 2025, to carry forward the light, kindness, and legacy he shared so freely.
 
 

What does the Foundation Support?

The Mathew Eckert Charitable Gift Fund's mission is to: 

1. Provide financial assistances to empower youth to grow through mental wellness, sport and education

2. Remove financial barries to build stronger futures for youth in Grey and Bruce Counties 

3. Investing in the potential of the next generation 

4. Supporting our youth, strengthening communities 

5. Financially supporting initiatives that allow our youth to learn with confidence and dignity

This year we are please to announce that the Mathew Eckert Charitable Gift Fund will be supporting the following: 

- Educational, Leadership and Atheltic scholarships at Owen Sound Secondary School and Walkerton District Secondary School

- School lacrosse programs at Walkerton District Secondary School and Sacred Heart Secondary School

- Help bringing Elizabeth Manely to Hockeyfest in Owen Sound to speak to athletes and the community about sports and mental health and support on ice 

- Free skate during March Break

-The Backpack Program in Grey Bruce

-Community Accessible Playground at Alexandra Elementary School 

We'd like to thank our donors, it is with your support, that we were able to carry out the funding of these programs that align with Mat's values. 

We invite you to follow and share our page, and to consider making a donation to help carry Mat’s spirit forward—creating opportunities, inspiring others, and making a lasting impact in the community.

Follow us on Facebook and see what we have been up to! 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583853759646

Do you have a community project that needs financial support? Now Accepting 2027 Applications - apply using this link https://forms.gle/Fp97dN6YHBxejRsdA
 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out through our Facebook page or e-mail: 

matheweckertcharitablegiftfund@gmail.com
Questions
Other Ways to Donate

1.  Cheque 

Have the cheque made out to Charitable Gift Funds Canada Foundation and the cheque memo should read "Fund 4542 - Mathew Eckert Charitable Gift Fund" 

2. Publicly Traded Securities - contact us for more details

 

Update: Recent Changes to Easydonate

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving our payment system, we have partnered with Canadahelps to process our credit card donations. Receipts for donations made through this site will now be issued by Canadahelps on our behalf using their safe and convenient payment platform. Please see our FAQ page for more information.