 While a reporter for the World and the Globe, Kelso founded the Toronto Humane Society in 1887 for the prevention of cruelty to children and animals, the Fresh Air Fund and the Santa Claus Fund in 1888 to provide excursions and cheer for poor women and children, and the Children's Aid Society (Canada) in 1891.Born in Dundalk, Ireland, midway between Belfast and Dublin.His father, George, made penniless through a fire in his starch manufacturing business, had decided to try his fortunes in Canada.