Community turns out for Fort Erie Navy cadet pancake breakfast
February 10, 2026 at 3:50 AM
The smell of pancakes hung in the air at Black Creek Community Centre just after 8 a.m. Sunday, as families lined the hall minutes after doors opened for the annual Navy League cadet breakfast fundraiser in Stevensville.
The event brought steady turnout early with the goal of funding youth training, trips and activities run entirely through community support.
The Fort Erie Navy League Cadet Corps operates as a civilian youth program with no Department of National Defence funding, so local fundraising supports training competitions, weekend exercises and travel.
Fresh stacks of pancakes wait in a stainless serving tray February 8 inside Black Creek Community Centre on Baker Road in Stevensville, where cadet volunteers began food service shortly after 8 a.m. during the annual Navy League fundraiser. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioLieutenant Kevin Gault, executive officer, told Fort Erie Radio a former cadet once applied her first aid training in a real world emergency.
“A cadet finished first aid training, went home that night, recognized her father was having a stroke, contacted first responders, and saved his life.”
About five or six cadets helped serve food, clear tables and greet visitors, while others stopped in briefly with families, according to Gault. Councillors George McDermott and Tom Insinna attended, continuing more than a decade of municipal presence at the event.
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Jacob Grant, commanding officer, told Fort Erie Radio the program aims to build responsibility and mutual support among youth participants.
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Jacob Grant, Cadet Nyshae Blake and Lieutenant Kevin Gault during the Sunday pancake breakfast at Black Creek Community Centre. Gault hopes to recruit a qualified music instructor to restart drum line and brass training for the cadets. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio“It shows we are cadets,” said Grant. “We want to show we are helpful, we are here to take charge, and if someone struggles, other cadets step in so they have each other’s backs.”
The Fort Erie Navy cadets are a co-ed unit consisting of 33 members as of last check. All staff serve as volunteers and many previously participated as cadets.
Grant said the corps accepts youth from varied backgrounds and aims to create an inclusive environment for ages nine to 12.
“No matter race, sex, gender, or religious beliefs, you come here, everyone is the same person,” he said. “We just hang out, teach, and have fun.”
Five cadets pose during a break in service at the February 8 breakfast in Stevensville. The youth corps operates weekly training nights through the school year and accepts members ages nine to 12 from across south Niagara. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioFundraising proceeds support competitions in first aid, seamanship and signalling, along with social activities, training weekends and travel, according to Gault.
He noted that the corps has consistently placed first in Ontario first aid competitions, and some former cadets later pursue biomedical or emergency response careers.
“These events let us take cadets to competitions, training weekends, and activities that would not happen otherwise,” said Gault.
The Fort Erie Navy cadets are recruiting additional adult volunteers and seeking a music instructor to restart a cadet band program.
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About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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