Inspiring Connection, Gratitude, and Giving Back
Cast it Forward began in 2020 as Kississing Lake Lodge’s way of highlighting acts of kindness, sacrifice, and resilience—initially inspired by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a personal act of generosity shown to our team during that time.
Rooted in the idea of “paying it forward,” this initiative has become one of our most meaningful annual traditions – touching lives, building connection, and spreading joy through unforgettable fishing experiences.
Each year, we’ve invited you to help us Cast it Forward by nominating someone deserving of an unforgettable fishing adventure. From honoring difference makers and mentors to welcoming newcomers and helping families reconnect, the stories you’ve shared have been humbling, heartwarming, and inspiring.
At its heart, Cast It Forward is about encouraging all of us to give back—in whatever ways we can. By sharing what we have, we can inspire others to do the same and make the world a little brighter.
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.
2025 Cast it Forward Inspiration
In 2025, northern Manitoba endured one of the most intense wildfire seasons in recent history. Early in the summer, Kississing Lake Lodge was evacuated, and nearly lost. Days later the town of Flin Flon – home to our float base, hangars, aircraft and staff housing–came under direct threat.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Kississing team members and more than 400 firefighters from across Manitoba, Canada, and the United States, the lodge and much of Flin Flon were protected. Though the region faced heartbreaking losses, the fact that so much was saved is a testament to the courage, skill, and resilience of the firefighters who stood between these communities and the advancing wildfires.
Recognizing the enormity of this effort, we immediately knew that the 2025 Cast it Forward initiative needed to be dedicated to the firefighters who protected our community.
To understand the full story behind this year’s theme, we invite you to watch Curt’s reflection on the events from this past summer.
2025 Initiative: Honouring Firefighters
In past years, Cast it Forward has honoured one or two individuals or families. But after witnessing the sheer scale of the 2025 wildfire response, honoring just a few didn’t feel like enough. This year, we’re setting aside an entire week at the lodge to celebrate and thank firefighters.
Firefighter Appreciation Week: 4-Days/4-Nights (July 17-21, 2026)
This special week will include daily guided fishing, opportunities to connect as a firefighting community, special programming and an overall spirit of deep appreciation and celebration. Additional details will be shared in the coming months, but our goal is simple: to create a week that feels like a heartfelt “thank you.”
How This Year’s Initiative Will Work
This year’s Cast it Forward initiative has two parts: one focused on firefighters who helped save Flin Flon, and one celebrating firefighters you know who make a difference in their communities.
PART ONE – Firefighters Who Helped Saved Flin Flon
Departments and communities who deployed firefighters to Flin Flon will be contacted directly with instructions on how to submit nominations for Firefighter Appreciation Week. If your department participated and has not yet received details — or if you are a community member who would like to nominate a firefighter you know who served in Flin Flon during the 2025 wildfires — please email info@kississinglodge.com and we will provide the full nomination guidelines for this part.
PART TWO – Nominations from YOU!
Alongside honouring firefighters connected to helping save Flin Flon, we also want to recognize deserving firefighters from across Canada and the United States – those who show up day after day to protect their communities, often without recognition.
We will be selecting two firefighter teams from public nominations:
- 1 team of two firefighters from Canada
- 1 team of two firefighters from the United States
These selected firefighters will join the larger group during Firefighter Appreciation Week. You may nominate either:
- Two firefighters from the same department, or
- One firefighter who may bring a fellow firefighter of their choosing
If you know a firefighter who exemplifies courage, teamwork, generosity, or quiet, steady service—and who would cherish a world-class fishing adventure—we’d love to hear their story.
What’s the Prize?
Selected firefighters will receive a 4-Day/4-Night fully guided fishing trip to Kississing Lake Lodge during Firefighter Appreciation Week (July 17-21, 2026).
They’ll enjoy:
- World-class fly-in fishing
- Comfortable lodging and warm hospitality
- Time to rest, recharge, and be celebrated for the work they do and the lives they impact
HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION
To nominate a firefighter (or firefighter duo), please email us at info@kississinglodge.com with the subject line: ‘Cast It Forward Nomination ’.
In your email please include:
- Your name and phone number we can reach you at
- The name(s) of the firefighter(s) your nominating
- The department, community/town, and state/province where they serve
- A short story or explanation of why they should be honoured, including:
- Length of service
- Character and integrity
- Impact on others
- What makes them stand out
- Contact info for one additional person who can speak to their character or service
The nomination deadline for our Cast It Forward initiative is Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The recipients will be announced on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
NOMINATION DEADLINE:
Tuesday, December 16, 2025