By Linda Curley
Birch Cliff residents have opened their hearts and wallets to help send children in need to arts camp at the Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre, but more assistance is needed.
Last month, BBNC sent an urgent message to its membership, volunteers and Board of Directors, calling for donations to assist in funding an additional staff person for the Creative Minds Summer Art Camp.
Turning children away
So far, approximately $500 dollars has been raised, but more is needed because children are being turned away.
The Creative Minds Art Camp, serving children from 6 to 12 years, is accessible to all children, regardless of their family’s income. For only $6.00 per day ($10.00 on trip day) children can enjoy the social and outdoor benefits of camp experience, even if their parents have limited income.
Helping newcomers to Canada
What’s new this summer is the number of children in need, particularly the number of children from newcomer families. We are excited that newcomers to our community are taking advantage of the camp – an important Canadian development experience – but for the first time in our history we have been forced to turn away children from the camp because it would be unsafe for us to alter the staff-participant ratios.
Funding Details
Creative Minds Arts Camp
It is important to note that BBNC is able to offer the camp at such a low cost because it is staffed with the support of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Summer Jobs Program. This program partially pays for the Camp Coordinator, as well as one of the counsellors. We also receive support through the YMCA, who provide staff for six weeks of camp.
However, neither funder covers 100% of staff salaries. As a result, BBNC must to use other resources to cover the real cost of providing the camp and we must reach out to you – friends of BBNC – to cover the cost of one additional camp staff person, which will allow us to accept all of our child applicants.
Fundraising goal
The goal is absolutely achievable. Any contribution you can make will help us meet our goal of $ 2,874.61. With your support, we can expand this program to all children who need it. As always, any donation of $10.00 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt. You can make a donation by cheque, dropping it off in person at the community centre at 93 Birchmount Road . You can also make a secure donation online by going to www.bbnc.ca .
Thanks for your support.
