Campers helping Campers
March of Dimes
What a great night of celebration as members of Camping In Ontario recently gathered to acknowledge some of the wonderful achievements of the summer of 2017. Awards were presented to top Industry Suppliers and Campgrounds for their outstanding achievements in 2017.
Along with these awards, March of Dimes Canada was grateful for the opportunity to thank supporters of Campers Helping Campers. Campers Helping Campers is a program that was pioneered many years ago by Camping In Ontario (previously OPCA) that today spans across the country, with thousands of campers, cottagers, and vacationers supporting children and adults who dream about a summer holiday experience.
In 2017 over $70,000 was raised to Help Make Dreams Come Dream. Funds were raised through a variety of fun-filled activities that include: Spiking, rocking and/or singing for Dimes, Nevada ticket sales, pie auctions, books sales, Beef on a Bun dinners, car shows, Canada 150 bracelets, personal donations, Kids Fund Day, burger sales, library donations, can and bottle returns, currency collections and many other innovative activities. All activities are sponsored by the members of the campground industry.
Children and adults living with disabilities dream about being outdoors and enjoying a week of camping related activities. One camper had never gone fishing and in 2017 he was able to not only go fishing, but he caught his first fish ever. A fishing trip that will never be forgotten! Each year March of Dimes Canada provides Summer Camping Programs to countless people with disabilities giving them the opportunity to experience the joys of recreational summer holidays. In 2017, through the generous support of members of Camping In Ontario – over 90 campers were able to enjoy a camping holiday. Campers have an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors as they canoe, kayak, swim, create arts and crafts, enjoy nature walks, and of course – singing around the campfire.
Thanks to everyone’s generosity almost $1.7 Million has been raised through Campers Helping Campers.
In 2017 the following highlights were achieved:
- Over 25,000 gumballs sold through #mybiggestbubble
- Over $12,000 raised through Sunspace Lottery
- Currency collection from around the world #allcurrencyaccepted
- Hundreds of special events and donations supported
During the 2017 Sunspace sponsored National CHC Awards Ceremony the Neal Dick Memorial Award (for most funds raised) was presented to Country Gardens RV Park.
Other award winners included:
- Campers of Sandy Beach Resort – Special Events
- Sherkston Shores, Bingeman Camping Resort and Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities – RV Resorts #mybiggestbubble
- General Coach Canada, CRVA, ATL Distributing and Sunspace – Associate Supplier Sponsors
- Special thanks are extended to Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities for collectively raising over $12,000.
Campers Helping Campers continues to make a difference. It is amazing what can be done when combining everyone’s efforts toward a common goal – together we are Making “camping” Dreams Come True for children and adults living with disabilities.
March of Dimes Canada - One Stop: Opportunities for Independence, serving persons who live with disabilities.
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