Toronto Cemetery Walker
John Joseph Kelso
Social Crusader and Newspaper Reporter. Founder of the Toronto Human Society (1887), The Fresh Air Fund (1888), the Santa Claus Fund (1888) and the Children's Aid Society (Canada)(1891). Immigrated to Canada in 1874 from Ireland. Was a reproter with the World and the Globe.
Son of Anna and George Kelso; the family emigrated to Canada when his father's starch manufacturing business was lost in a fire. Graduated from Jarvis Collegiate at age of 21.
Began his journalism career as a printer's apprentice, followed by time as a proofreader at The World. Was promoted to Police Reporter. Eventually joined the Globe as a reporter. Retired in 1934.
In 1887 he established the Humane Society with the aim to protect children and animals. He served as treasurer from 1918 - 1935.
In 1888, he started the Fresh Air Fund, which provided children with excursions to Toronto Island and to lakeside parts. From 1888 - 1893 30,000 children benefited from the program and Britain copied the idea. In 1897 children were given free access to the Canadian National Exhibition as part of the program.
In 1891 he called a meeting to establish the Children's Aid Society. He served as the first president for six months.
In 1893 he gave up his journalism career, and Premier Mowat appointed him the first provincial Superintendant of Neglected and Dependent Children in Ontario. Until his retirement in 1834 he continued to spend his time and energies on the establishment of children's aid societies including co-founding Central Neighbourhood House in 1911.
Kelso died of liver cancer in 1935.
John Joseph Kelso
Social Crusader and Newspaper Reporter. Founder of the Toronto Human Society (1887), The Fresh Air Fund (1888), the Santa Claus Fund (1888) and the Children's Aid Society (Canada)(1891). Immigrated to Canada in 1874 from Ireland. Was a reproter with the World and the Globe.
Son of Anna and George Kelso; the family emigrated to Canada when his father's starch manufacturing business was lost in a fire. Graduated from Jarvis Collegiate at age of 21.
Began his journalism career as a printer's apprentice, followed by time as a proofreader at The World. Was promoted to Police Reporter. Eventually joined the Globe as a reporter. Retired in 1934.
In 1887 he established the Humane Society with the aim to protect children and animals. He served as treasurer from 1918 - 1935.
In 1888, he started the Fresh Air Fund, which provided children with excursions to Toronto Island and to lakeside parts. From 1888 - 1893 30,000 children benefited from the program and Britain copied the idea. In 1897 children were given free access to the Canadian National Exhibition as part of the program.
In 1891 he called a meeting to establish the Children's Aid Society. He served as the first president for six months.
In 1893 he gave up his journalism career, and Premier Mowat appointed him the first provincial Superintendant of Neglected and Dependent Children in Ontario. Until his retirement in 1834 he continued to spend his time and energies on the establishment of children's aid societies including co-founding Central Neighbourhood House in 1911.
Kelso died of liver cancer in 1935.