Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

At the Sunshine Fund we help hundreds of families every year who are in a financial hard spot. We also know that there are so many different situations out there and no two families are alike. That is why we have complied this Frequently Asked Questions list to help you when applying.
 

Where can I get an application?
You can get on from our website mbcamping.ca our Facebook Page Facebook.com/sunshinefundmb or you can call us and we can mail or email one to you. (204)784-1130.

How much will it cost me to send my child to camp?
Sending your child to camp through the Sunshine Fund will only cost you the parent contribution (a percentage of the camp cost based on your income). Also the Sunshine Fund only funds a maximum amount per child, so if your child's session is over that amount you will be responsible for rest.

Where do I send in my application?
When you have completed your application and have all the required documents, send it to our office. You can fax it to (204) 784-4177, email it to sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca. You can also mail your application to:
Sunshine Fund
302-960 Portage ave
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R4



What do I need to send in with my application?
You need to send in: 
Your child's camp registration form,
Income verification (tax summary, pay stubs, or budget letter) EDIT*** you also need to supply your T1, T2125, T2042 if applicable***
Manitoba Health Card (with the child's name on it)
Parent contribution (cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard)
A letter or drawing from your child stating why they want to go to camp


What camp is best for my child? 
The best camp for your child is the camp that fits their needs. We have almost 40 different camps so it is hard for us to choose which camp is best. If you are having a hard time deciding, pick up our camp directory and research our camps. 

What can my child expect at camp?
This depends on the camp your child goes to. Each camp has various activities your child will engage in each day. These activities can include canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, crafts among other things. The best way to know what your child can expect at camp is to contact the camp and ask about their daily schedule for your child's session.

My child has special medical needs; can they still go to camp?
Yes! Our camps are equipped to help your child with their medial needs. Each camp has a nurse on site at all times to distribute medications and anything else your child might need. To better understand how the camp can help your child with their medical needs, call the camp.

I have dietary concerns for my child while at camp, how do I sort that out?
Call the camp your child is attending, they can help you work out any dietary concerns you have for your child.

My child has never been to camp before, what is a good ‘starter’ camp?
This depends on your child. You know your child best so you will know if they are okay going for a week-long over night-camp, or if they would do better in a day camp setting. No one camp is a better 'starter' camp. Talk to your child about how they feel about going over-night, what activities they like and how far from home they want to be.


Can my child go to a non-religious camp?
Yes, if you don't want your child to go to a religious based camp they have a few options. They are Camp Wannkumbac, Camp Y, Camp Stephens, and Mini U day camp. 


Do you fund support workers?
No we do not, we only fund children under 18 years old. This means we also do not fund parents for family camps.

I just got a new job; do I still qualify for funding?
If you just got a new job after being unemployed for awhile you can possibly qualify for funding. We will need to see your current pay stubs for your new job. We base funding on your gross yearly income. This means if your new job's gross yearly income is more than our qualifications you may not be funded. If this is the case for you, submit your application and we will work with you to figure out a solution for your family.

How do I determine my income if I own my own business?
If you own your own business we will need to see a yearly breakdown of your business expenses and revenues. Each business varies, for more help call our office.

I can’t afford the parent contribution, can I still apply?
Yes you can still apply. If you can not afford your parent contribution we can work out a payment schedule that fits your budget. We will work with you to ensure your child can go to camp.

I don’t live in MB but my child wants to go to an MB camp, will you fund them?
Unfortunately no, the Sunshine Fund is for children who live in Manitoba Only. If you want to see if your province offers funding help search your local camping association.

What if I don’t have custody of my children (or have shared custody)?
If you do not have custody of your children we need the adult who does have custody to apply for the children. The adult who has custody is the person we base approval on, so we need their financial information too.

If you have shared custody and primary care and control you can apply for you child with your financial information. We might require the other adult's financial information too.

If you have shared custody but not primary care and control we will need approval from the adult with primary care and control. We might also need their financial information.

My child is also being funded for camp through another agency; can we still apply for the Sunshine Fund?
If your child is being funded by an other organization, or person they can not qualify for Sunshine Funds. We want to ensure that every Manitoba child gets the opportunity to attend summer camp. This means if we fund that child for another session, a child who does not have the chance through another agency or family can't go at all.






If you have any more questions about the Sunshine Fund, how to apply, qualifications or your financial situation please contact our office. You can call our office at (204) 784-1130, email us at sunshinefund@mbcmaping.ca or drop by to Room 302 960 Portage Ave in Winnipeg.


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