Chance 2 Camp, a program of the Child and Family Services of Central Manitoba Foundation, is getting a boost thanks to Portage MCC.
Sarah Martins, the foundation’s community support coordinator, says the fundraiser is crucial in helping more children experience camp.
This is what a mother wrote, "We would love to see our children be able to enjoy camp this year. My husband and I are both working to pay off debts from vision therapy, dental, and to keep up with the supplements for our son's needs. We have a safe loving home, but they have felt the stress of us helping my family through their addictions and family disfunctions. They are good kids and deserve a week of fun where people have energy and time for them. Please give our kids this chance to go to camp."
She adds that the more funds the foundation receives, the more children they can support, with each camper funded at $400 per year.
“Without fundraisers like this, we wouldn't be able to do what we're doing and just knowing that the community is there to support us like this is huge,” says Martins.
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A first for MCC
For Portage MCC, this marks the first time the thrift store has partnered with Chance 2 Camp. General manager Kevin Hamm says the donation of $4,000 reflects the generosity of volunteers, donors, and customers.
“It's really nice to have them here, give them a little more exposure, and give them an opportunity to share their information about their programs and their people and also give them a $4,000 check,” says Hamm.
He continues that programs like this provide important opportunities for families who otherwise may not be able to afford camp.
“Whether it's a program like Chance 2 Camp, which helps kids go to summer camp, which, as many of us know, is not an inexpensive proposition at all,” adds Hamm. “I'm just so happy that there are programs like this that will help families who are having trouble making ends meet and give them this opportunity.”
Looking ahead
Applications for next year’s camp open in April, and Martins encourages families to register early since spots fill up quickly.
She says families can apply online at cfscmfoundation.ca or in person at the Child and Family Services office at 25 Third St. SE in Portage la Prairie.
Meanwhile, MCC is planning one last fundraiser this year, set for Sept. 23, in support of Habitat for Humanity.
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