> On this season of giving, give a child in need the best gift of all: the magic of camp.
“This story isn’t about me. It’s about making a difference in someone else’s life. Giving them the same chances as everyone else. Even if you don’t know them.
Shaheed is a fellow Kanawanian who I met several years ago. He is a refugee who lives with a foster family in Montréal and attends Kanawana thanks to financial assistance. He doesn’t talk much about his past, but it’s clear that the time he spends at camp each summer makes all the difference to him.
Shaheed and I come from really different places, but camp brought us together.
This year, on his last night at camp, Shaheed was teary-eyed as he said goodbye. At 16, he realized he probably wouldn’t be back at camp next year. He was so grateful for his camp experience. The following session, against all expectations, a spot opened up and thanks to the Financial Assistance Fund, we were able to bring Shaheed back for another session! When he returned to camp, the smile on his face was infectious!
Shaheed was able to take part in one final camp session, where he could really let go of any baggage from his home life, just be himself and have fun with his friends in nature.
I told my parents, Lorne and Audrey, about Shaheed and how financial assistance had allowed him to attend camp both this summer and in years prior. They decided to donate to the Financial Assistance Fund, to make sure that kids like Shaheed, who couldn’t afford camp, could attend next year.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend my summers at camp. I never realized just how privileged I was. Kanawana continues to be my favourite place on Earth. I can’t wait to see more campers learn, grow and experience camp next summer. Hopefully, this will inspire others to give.”
Ryan, Section director, Camp YMCA Kanawana
> Make a donation before December 31 and give the gift of camp to a child in need.
Camp YMCA Kanawana is about community. It’s a place where we bring out the best in each other. Where we give everyone a chance to shine, learn and grow. Regardless of who you are or where you come from.
This past summer, 123 kids went to camp thanks to financial assistance from people like you. Next year, we can change even more lives.
> For the holiday season, please join the Kanawana family, as Ryan’s parents, Lorne and Audrey, did with their spontaneous act of kindness and humanity, and help even more children like Shaheed experience the magic of camp.
Non Nobis Solum (Not for ourselves alone)
*Name has been changed to protect the participant’s privacy.