IMPORTANT:

This GoFundMe page is strictly dedicated to sending kids who cannot afford to join to our Youth Fishing Leagues.

For every $300 raised, we will fully sponsor one child to participate in a Youth Fishing League.

Hi, my name is Michael Sklad. My wife Melissa and I operate a Canadian non-profit organization called Fishing Friendzy Foundation.

Fishing Friendzy Foundation operates programs that teach kids and families about ethical angling, outdoor skills, and respect for our natural environment. Our goal is to help young people build a lifelong connection to nature—because when kids connect to nature early, they grow up wanting to protect it.

We created this GoFundMe so family, friends, and supporters can directly help remove financial barriers for kids who want to fish but otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. We do work with community partners that also help subsidize funding for low income families who qualify, but we want to send even more kids to our YOUTH FISHING LEAGUES!!!

Our Story

We started Fishing Friendzy in 2007 by creating a travelling interactive exhibit that visited fairs and festivals to introduce families to fishing and ethical angling practices. This outreach program allowed us to reach communities across Canada and the United States.

In Canada, we were honoured to be invited to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for 7 consecutive years, where we taught hundreds of thousands of people the basics of ethical angling. Over the years, we have helped more than 10,000 people catch their very first fish.

Youth Fishing Leagues

Eight years ago, we launched our Youth Fishing Leagues (YFL)—a structured, educational, and community-based program designed specifically for kids.

Our first year: 2 leagues in 2 communities

Last year: 27 leagues across 13 communities

Champions earned prizes such as guided fishing trips, kayaks, ice-fishing hut rentals, and lodge stays generously donated to support the future. KIDS!

These leagues are grassroots programs built in partnership with local townships, conservation authorities, service clubs, businesses, and volunteers, because that’s where real community impact happens.

Why This Matters

We believe that:

Time spent outdoors reduces stress and anxiety

Kids who spend time in nature focus better in school

Children who learn to respect the outdoors become lifelong conservationists

These kids are the future leaders of our communities. By mentoring them today, we are helping raise future protectors of clean water, forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.

How Your Donation Helps

This GoFundMe is used ONLY to sponsor children who cannot afford registration fees.

$300 sponsors one child to join a Youth Fishing League

Sponsored children receive full registration plus a starter kit valued at over $200, including:

Rod & reel

Tackle box & tackle

Hat & Jersey

Educational materials and league participation

Children are selected through our community partners and youth organizations, ensuring support reaches families who need it most.

Thank You

If you believe in connecting kids to nature, protecting our environment, and giving every child a fair chance—your support truly matters.

Feel free to leave a message with your donation, share an outdoor memory, or send words of encouragement. We love hearing from our supporters and community.

Thank you for helping us get more kids outdoors, learning, growing, and discovering the joy of fishing

www.fishingfriendzy.com 

Thank you. 

Peace, Love and Fishing! 

Michael Sklad - AKA Unkle Bass