How Many Times Can Applicants Apply?

Families who apply to the Sunshine Fund must submit an application that undergoes a thorough process to determine eligibility. The policy of the Sunshine Fund is to assist families that are able to verify that their income levels do not exceed the level as indicated by the Stats Canada Low Income Cut-off measures. Proof of income must accompany the application for funding.

Since 1979, the Sunshine Fund has provided financial assistance to over 18,000 children and has not turned any child away due to lack of available funding. Each year, nearly 1/2 of all applicants are first time recipients of Sunshine Fund Funding. Some children will attend camp through the Sunshine Fund for 2-3 years, and in some cases, greater. Each time families apply, the criteria is the same - family income levels must not exceed the Low Income Cut-off level.

The benefits of a camping experience is a most positive and lasting one. The more times that a child can attend camp, whether it be for 2, 3 or 4 years & beyond, will have a greater impact than attending once. To this end, the Sunshine Fund believes and supports the decision to not provide just one opportunity per child in their childhood ages, but provide an opportunity to factor in the positive growth & development of a child that will positively impact them in the future and into adulthood.

Some of these children that have attended once, twice or three or more times, are now Camp Counselors, are working in the community or volunteering, or are even young adult donors helping provide an opportunity for other children today - much like they were once helped.

Children can not be held accountable for a families financial situation - childen must be embraced, encouraged and nurtured. It is one of the Sunshine Fund's goals of achieving this through the delivery of a camp experience for less fortunate children & youth.

Stats & Letters from Children

Sunshine Fund Stats:

306 Children placed so far this year
Children Waiting to be place: 56

This weeks donations: $13,271
Year to date donations: $71,445

This week we would like to share with you a couple of letters we receive from the parents and children.

One parent writes: "I am a single parent with two kids. I was also raised with one parent, so I know the hardships of being one. I try to give my kids experience in life rather than the material things that would fade or get old in time. As a kid I went to camp twice and still to this day I wish I could relive it. That's what makes summer so fun for so many kids that might not have the chance to go without the Sunshine Fund. I believe camp would open up a world of experience for my children."

Siblings write to us to say: "The thing I like the most about camp is basically everything. They have good food and activities. From other years of being there I have made at least 40-50 new friends." (14 year old boy)

His 10 year old sister says: "It's a good place to get to meet new friends. They have good food and very fun games to play. Last year was the funnest week of my life rock climbing is the funnest."

On behalf of these children and families we thank all our donors and supporters for their generosity.

Just three more weeks and camp will start! We still have lots of spaces available at camps located all over the province and in the Kenora/Lake of the Woods area - get your application from our website at www.mbcamping.ca or call us at 784-1130.

Now, we would love to see some activity in this blog - why not take a moment and share your favourite camp experience with us?

Camp Applications Reaching Steady Pace

As of this past weekend's Free Press article, the Sunshine Fund has:

221 Children Placed
40 Children Waiting to be Placed
$9,470 Donations for the Week
$37,596 Total Donations for the Year

Please note that Donor Listings within the Free Press may take a few weeks before names will appear, due to the large volume of weekly donors and space availability within the Free Press. Please be patient as Donor Names will appear in time.

Most of all, thank you for your continued support!

Free Press Writes First Article

The Sunshine Fund campaign is off and running, with the start-up article posted in today's Winnipeg Free Press. A headliner has been provided on the Front Page of today's (May 7, 2007) edition, with a review on B5.

Donor Campaign Set to Begin

Winnipeg Free Press Sunshine Fund articles will soon start appearing highlighting the importance and value of the Fund as it leaves a positive impact on the lives of children.

Do you remember going to camp? Tell us what your camp experience was like. If you are a child and have been to camp recently, tell us what you enjoy! If you are a parent and wish to share a story about the ways in which camp has impacted your child's life - we want to hear all the benefits camp has provided. Are you a donor? Tell us why the Sunshine Fund is important to you and share with us some of your most memorable camp experiences for you as a youth.

Respond to this blog by clicking the "comment" link below. We'd love to hear your story!

Did You Know?????

All monies that the Sunshine Fund raises within Manitoba assits underprivileged children from Manitoba to attend a Manitoba Accredited Camp.

MCA To Attend Weekend Exhibit Fairs

The MCA & Sunshine Fund will be setting up a display booth at the Portage Home, Leisure & Sport Expo event this Friday (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) & Saturday (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at the Portage Canad Inn Warehouse.

On Sunday, we will be attending the 2007 Winnipeg Parent Family Fun & Learning Fair. This will be held from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory.

Come check out all the action, pick up your 2007 Camp Directory, or obtain information on the Sunshine Fund.