Testimonials
“Mom and I popped in to Solitude earlier in July to visit dad's tree, ‘PawPaw Harry’ as the daycare kiddos called him.
So peaceful in the meadow. We had a lovely chat with a couple camping from Texas.'“
— Tania (Under the Apple Tree Daycare)
“It is a real gem in South Huron and close to Grand Bend residents.
The trail is approximately 1 km in length (25 minute walk)
and offers a great opportunity to find “Solitude”.
— George Finch, Mayor, Municipality of South Huron (Serenity Nature Reserve)
“Importance of Solitude - a welcoming, wooded space open year round to everyone.
The beautiful changes of each season are captured right before your eyes with each visit. The picnic tables on the camping pads, the accessible trails, the pagoda all bring nature to your heart. The perimeter trail offers a bit of challenge and a great perspective of how this little piece of paradise is surrounded by working farmland.”
— Marci K. (Solitude Nature Reserve)
“I would not trade the last 4 years for anything. The friendships I have made, the experiences I have encountered, and the things I have learned have unquestionably shaped me and molded me in numerous ways.
As a first in my extended family to earn a high school diploma and now a University degree, I feel an immense sense of accomplishment.
Because of your scholarship, I was able to focus on my studies,
which landed me on the Deans’s list each year, and I was able to graduate “With Distinction”, which celebrates those who have completed every year on the Dean’s list. I look forward to my next chapter as I pursue my master’s degree.”
— John T. (PMCF Scholarship Recipient)
“Receiving this scholarship has granted me the ability to be successful in my post secondary career.
I’m able to fully engage in my education without the stress and anxiety of how I’m going to afford tuition. I have been able to foster an environment where I’m comfortable and excited to learn.
I couldn’t be more grateful for the generosity I’ve been shown, and it’s an honour to have been selected!”
— Ella R. (PMCF Scholarship Recipient)
“The Phil McNamee Foundation provided me with an opportunity to see beyond my challenges.
It inspired me to overlook any hardships that came my way and awarded my perseverance and dedication. The scholarship not only provided myself with financial stability throughout the academic year, it reminded me that I am capable of achieving whatever it is I desire, as the essence of the foundation is to uplift youth and promote self improvement. I am thankful to be a recipient of the Phil McNamee Scholarship.
— A. S. (PMCF Scholarship Recipient)
“My daycare children range in age from 12 months to 4 years. I get to watch a child take their first steps on the grasses of Solitude Nature Reserve, learn to walk and run the trails over the next 3 to 4 years while they are in my care. They run to me on a Monday morning and say "Guess where we hiked on the weekend with my family?"
I believe children leave my care well developed in body and mind with a healthy, happy appreciation for nature and over the last 7 years Solitude Nature Reserve has played a large role in helping me achieve this goal.”
— Tania (Under the Apple Tree Daycare)