At the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation, inclusion, social justice, and equity are fundamental. We recognize the inequalities experienced by people from marginalized communities, particularly girls and women, individuals from sexual and gender diversity communities, Indigenous communities in Canada and First Nations in Quebec, as well as racialized individuals.

Our Commitment

To provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment adapted to each individual’s realities. This commitment is reflected in various ways both before and during expeditions. Here are a few examples:

  • Inclusive application and registration forms. Questions related to gender are thoughtfully designed and asked with a clear purpose, in order to adequately plan the expedition, supervision, and equipment.
  • Non-Violence Policy

Upon registration, all participants and volunteers are required to read and sign the following non-violence policy:

I, the undersigned, commit to adopting behaviors free from all forms of violence or discrimination. This includes any act of direct or indirect violence—physical, psychological, or verbal. Violence and discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, culture, origin, age, or any other factor, as well as all forms of sexual misconduct, are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Employees and volunteers of the Sur la pointe des pieds Foundation reserve the right to intervene to stop any violent and/or discriminatory behavior. My signature indicates that I understand the above and commit to respecting these principles.

  • Single-gender accommodations (tents, shelters, hotel rooms, etc.) to respect participants’ privacy and promote their safety. Individuals who do not identify within the male-female gender binary may choose the accommodation in which they feel most comfortable.
  • “Identity Balloon”: an activity at the beginning of the expedition that allows each participant to share an important aspect of their identity with the group (pronouns, background, preferences, etc.).
  • Adaptation to dietary preferences (omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, etc.) and dietary restrictions (allergies, celiac disease, cultural or religious restrictions, etc.).
  • Use of inclusive grammar in our written communications and inclusive language in our verbal communications.

You would like to participate in one of our expeditions but are wondering whether your specific needs can be accommodated? Fill out the application form by clicking here and include your questions in the general comments section at the end. One of our project managers will be happy to speak with you about possible adaptations, with full respect for your needs and boundaries.

A Principle That Goes Beyond Expeditions

In addition to the adjustments made to our expeditions, our team has engaged in ongoing training to deepen its understanding of the realities and challenges faced by marginalized communities, as well as intersectionality*. Changes have also been implemented in our fundraising events (Double Challenge of the Two Marios, Cryo Races). Here are a few examples:

  • Gender-neutral restroom systems
  • Changing rooms for men, women, and non-binary individuals
  • Updates to registration forms
  • Use of inclusive grammar in written and oral communications

At the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation, inclusion, social justice, and equity are an integral part of our organizational values and our very essence.

*Intersectionality: The overlapping or cumulative effects of different forms of discrimination or systems of oppression experienced by an individual, based on factors such as race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, social class, or physical ability, which can lead to increased disadvantage. (Free translation)

Québec Office of the French Language (OQLF). Intersectionality. Vitrine linguistique. https://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/fiche-gdt/fiche/26532478/intersectionnalite