Camp Built with National Pride Receives $1.5 million grant

Toronto, Ontario…Camp Maple Leaf, a summer camp serving at-risk children and military children, has received a $1.5 million Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) grant from the federal government. The camp, located on Jacob Island, in Pigeon Lake (Kawarthas), was established in 1955 by the Canadian Council of War Veterans Association as a living memorial to Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for peace. It has served over 30,000 children since its inception and until now received no government funding.

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“We are extremely pleased that our proposal was approved,” said Gilles Fontaine, CEO of Banyan Community Services, the organization that operates Camp Maple Leaf. “The funding will be used for needed infrastructure improvements which will help give more kids the opportunity to learn and grow through our unique camp experience. In addition, it will help us to launch our plan to establish a new family camp for military families with children as early as fall 2009.” Many of Camp Maple Leaf’s (CML) facilities have not seen significant upgrades since 1955. Funding from RInC and from other CML fundraising initiatives will be directed toward the construction of a new Welcome Centre building (housing medical facilities), refurbishment of sleeping cabins and comfort stations, and upgrades to the camp’s overall electrical, mechanical and site services sensitive to the island’s ecosystem. CML’s vision is to extend its successful children’s camp to military families with children over the next 5 years. It will be open to members of the military returning from a long-term of duty as a means of reconnecting with their families. “We understand the significant stress and challenges facing military families. Our hope is that the family camp will provide a setting for families to reconnect and benefit from the enjoyment of being a family again,” comments Fontaine. CML needs to match the government grant and is requesting support from the community. They have planned a number of fundraising initiatives this summer and fall, but welcome support from associations, corporations, individuals and families. To make a donation, you are asked to go to HYPERLINK "http://www.campmapleleaf.net" [url=http://www.campmapleleaf.net]http://www.campmapleleaf.net[/url]. The Camp’s unique program is recreation and adventure based and is designed to promote the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, self-control, problem solving skills and conflict resolution. Trained counselors work closely with campers to support and coach them to identify strengths and help them achieve personal goals. Camp Maple Leaf is a registered charity operated by Banyan Community Services, a not-for-profit organization based out of Hamilton.

Other Fundraising Initiatives

Operation Maple Leaf A ground-breaking ceremony will be taking place on Friday, October 2, 2009 to launch Operation Camp Maple Leaf, a 5 year, $7.3 million fundraising campaign to raise the needed funds, donations of goods and contributions of services to update existing facilities and establish a new family camp. Canadian military personnel and other VIP’s including members of the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni, who are big supporters of this cause, will be in attendance. Camp Maple Leaf presents an Evening with Brig. General Rick Hillier The general public is invited to a special gala fund-raising evening with Brig. General Rick Hillier, known as one of Canada’s top soldiers! This event in support of “Operation Camp Maple Leaf” will take place on November 26, 2009 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto. For tickets and information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.campmapleleaf.net" [url=http://www.campmapleleaf.net]http://www.campmapleleaf.net[/url].

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