Spirng!

Wow! Spring is here and we are already well on our way of placing kids into summer camp. We are also gearing up for some exciting events and campaigns.

First let me tell you about our campers so far this year. We have already placed 103 campers and that number is increasing every day. This puts us ahead of our placement numbers from last year and just a bit behind what we recorded for this time in 2010. We hope to be on track this year to send 1000 kids to camp, which would be one of the best years ever for us in terms of number of kids placed at camp.

However, that too brings challenges. With sending a record number of kids to camp we need a record number of donations this year before summer ends. Last year the average camp fee was approximately $359.81. So, if we want to send 1000 kids to camp we would need a record breaking $359,810.00 donated. Last year we raised $270,216.69 and sent 775 kids to camp.

That's a lot of numbers, but what it comes down to is that we need $89,593.31 more in donations that we had last year. 

This is where we come to you and ask you to help us send more kids than ever to summer camp. We can help you organize office fundraisers, school fundraisers or any other idea that sparks your interest. Call our office (204-784-1130) and our Program Coordinator Janis will be happy to discuss how we can help you organize an event.


Camp Caravan
Now onto our annual Camp Caravan. This year we will be at Kildonan Place on April 14 & 15 during mall hours. We want you to come and visit with us, and the camps that come with us. There are so many camps and we want to help you find just the right one for your child.

You will also be able to pick up Sunshine Fund applications and ask any questions you have about our program.


Our Social Media
 
We have branched out and now have a Facebook page and a Twitter account! We want you to like us and continue the conversation on  Facebook and Twitter. You can 'Like' us on Facebook HERE and add us on Twitter from our username SunshineFundMB

P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp

As some of  you may know, the Sunshine Fund has published a book! This is very exciting for us because it has been an idea in our office for a long time, and it finally happened.

The book is called "P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp" and is filled with the letters we get every summer from children who want to go to back to camp or go for the first time.

We were very lucky to have a Red River College student work on the project for us. Her name is Brittany May and she was so great to work with on this! Brittany did an amazing job of designing and laying out the book for us, she had to sift through so many letters and photos to decide which ones to include.

A snapshot from inside P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp

Before we talk more about the book we just want to thank Brittany May so much for all her hard work, many hours, and always enthusiasm  during the past year. With out Brittany, our book would not be as amazing as it is.

Brittany also put on a book launch for us at McNally Robinson here in Winnipeg. The book launch was fantastic and we thank everyone who came out to support us.

P.S I love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp display at McNally Robinson on Grant

So now, more about the book and why we published one. It's pretty simple actually, we want everyone to know what camp means to the children we send. Summer camp means something different to every one, but one thing that is true for all kids, is that camp is fun, and that's why they want to keep going.

Camp is an opportunity for kids to learn new skills, become more confident and independent, but all they  know is that they are having fun!

P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp is available at our office for $20 or at McNally in the Grant Park Shopping Mall.

Call our office if you are interested in picking up a copy today (204) 784-1130.


 Camp 2012
With summer camp just around the corner we are working hard on placing kids into camp, and have already place 20 with lots more on the way! As always we rely heavily on the great support from the community and this year is no different. So we continue to ask for you support so we can send every child that applies to camp.

If you want to host a 3rd party fundraiser in support of the Sunshine Fund at work, school or your community please call our program coordinator Janis (204-784-1130) and together we can help you find just the right fundraiser!