Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
For many kids from Westman, going to summer camp has really been a dream come true — thanks to the Sun Fund for Kids.
“We receive many letters at the end of the camp season from kids thanking us,” said Art Asham, supervisor with Child and Family Services. “They tell us about their new friends and the new things they tried.”
The Sun Fund for Kids has been raising money to send underprivileged kids from Westman to both day camps and overnight camps since the late 1970s.
The fund was started by former Brandon Sun editor Brian Marshall, with CFS happy to use its existing infrastructure to help administer the funds.
“Last year the fund received $45,000, all of which went to sending more than 200 kids to camp,” Asham said.
Although managed by CFS, any family can apply for funding through Sun Fund for their child to go to camp. No involvement with CFS is necessary.
“This fund really gives the kids a chance to experience new things,” Asham said.
“Many would never experience canoeing, archery, campfire, nature walks ... if the Sun Fund didn’t exist.”
Although Asham never got the chance to experience an overnight camp as a kid, he did have a lot of fun attending daycamps in his hometown. Summer camps provide kids with the opportunity to try new things that may be outside their comfort zone.
“I definitely see why Brian started this fund,” Asham said.
“I encourage people to give generously. It takes between $150 and $200 to send a child to camp.”
Sun Fund for Kids application forms are available both online and by visiting the CFS office.
Although the Sun Fund for Kids has been in Brandon for well over 30 years, there have been years that lacked the amount of funds necessary to send all the applicants to camp.
“We are very lucky that just when things were looking bad, the Automobile Industry Association (AIA) of Canada decide to support the Sun Fund,” Asham said.
“Each year they hold a golf tournament to raise money for the kids to go to camp.”
The Eighth Annual Sun Fund for Kids Charity Golf Tournament will be held in Shilo on June 14.
The tournament is open to the public and normally draws around 40 golfers.
“Golfers can register for $125 per person, which includes dinner, green fees and a cart,” Asham said. “Another opportunity is to sponsor a hole for $100.”
All proceeds from the golf tournament go into the Sun Fund for Kids.
To help make a Westman kid’s dream of attending a summer camp come true,you can drop off donations at the Brandon Sun office, 501 Rosser Avenue.
Child and Family Services will send you a receipt and your generosity will be acknowledged by the Brandon Sun publishing your name in the Community News section.
If you wish to remain anonymous, just say so and you will only receive a receipt.
» mlane@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition June 9, 2012
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For many kids from Westman, going to summer camp has really been a dream come true — thanks to the Sun Fund for Kids.
“We receive many letters at the end of the camp season from kids thanking us,” said Art Asham, supervisor with Child and Family Services. “They tell us about their new friends and the new things they tried.”
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For many kids from Westman, going to summer camp has really been a dream come true — thanks to the Sun Fund for Kids.
“We receive many letters at the end of the camp season from kids thanking us,” said Art Asham, supervisor with Child and Family Services. “They tell us about their new friends and the new things they tried.”
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