Our Story

At just eighteen, Dylan Gervais lost his battle with leukemia. To those who knew him best, however, he was never defined by his diagnosis. He was a beloved son, a brother, a dedicated teammate, and a loyal friend. Dylan lived for his time at the ballpark and the rink, cherishing every moment of camaraderie both on and off the field and ice.

Dylan was the kind of person who always showed up. He was a hard worker who consistently encouraged his peers, understanding that being part of a team was never just about the scoreboard—it was about the person standing beside you. These are the qualities we hold dear, and they are exactly what we want his name to represent within our community.

Why We Created the Fund

Losing Dylan changed our family forever.

 

While no words can truly describe the void left behind, we began to ask ourselves: How can we channel the immense love we have for him into something meaningful?

The answer is the Dylan Gervais Youth Athletics Fund.

 

Sports were the heartbeat of Dylan’s life, offering him a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships, and his most cherished memories. We recognize, however, that not every child in the Midland and Penetanguishene area has the same opportunity to play.

For many local families, the rising costs of registration and equipment are significant barriers. We believe no child should miss out on the game they love due to financial constraints. Through this fund, we provide financial assistance to help children participate in baseball and hockey. We also honor young athletes who embody Dylan’s spirit—leadership, character, and perseverance—through annual awards dedicated to his memory.

Why It Matters

Our mission goes beyond sports and trophies; it is about providing opportunity. It is about giving a child the chance to lace up their skates, grab a glove, and feel like they truly belong. We believe in recognizing the player who may not be the star athlete, but who consistently lifts others up, works through adversity, and shows kindness when no one is watching.

Dylan’s life taught us that impact is not measured by years lived, but by the lives we touch along the way.

Carrying Dylan Forward

The Georgian Bay community watched Dylan grow, played alongside him, and stood by us during our darkest days. This fund is a way for all of us to continue standing together.

 

Every child helped, every athlete recognized, and every barrier removed becomes a vital part of Dylan’s legacy.

We cannot give Dylan more years, but we can give his name more moments. By transforming our love for him into opportunities for others, we celebrate the values he held most dear.

 

Dylan’s story did not end on November 2023.

 

It continues every time a local child hits the field, every time a child steps on the ice, every time an athlete leads with heart, and every time our community unites in his name.

This is our story.

This is Dylan’s legacy.

This is how we carry him forward.