Event

“… helped me by gathering and delivering food to my Mother.
An overwhelming feeling of relief came over me and I cried.
In that moment I felt so loved and cared for …”

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To the incredible community at Fairlawn Avenue United Church,

Thank you for your recent donation of $2,693.15 to Camp Scugog’s COVID-19 relief efforts. It’s wonderful to have friends who understand the importance of supporting our camp community holistically. When this pandemic struck Toronto in full force, we knew we needed to support our community so they could stay safe in these uncertain times.

We’ve all been told to “stay home”, and distance. But the reality is that staying home and social distancing are privileges that are not afforded to everyone equally. This virus disproportionately affects the poor in our society. Not because it prefers them, but because they are more exposed. As you know, many of the families we work with live in too-small of a space with too many people, and do not have enough money to buy food for a long period of time. Many live in food deserts with limited access to fresh produce, where the lineups are as long as the rides they take on public transit to access the grocers.

That’s where our new program that you have so generously supported comes into play.

We reached out to all of our summer 2019 staff, leadership program participants and moms from our Mothers and Children’s programs to see if they required food, sanitary products and other necessities. The response was overwhelming. In total, 40 families indicated a great need, so we created meal plans, and put in an order of food with our food supplier. Three of our senior staff spent time sorting, organizing and packing food boxes, and volunteers spent last week delivering boxes to families in need.

The boxes have enough food to feed a family of four, for one month. They contain fresh fruits and vegetables; dry staples like rice, pasta, and oatmeal; meat, including hot dogs, tuna, bacon, chicken, and ground beef; cheese; frozen veggies; condiments; and baking goods like frozen liquid egg, sugar, pancake mix, and milk powder. We’ve also included other essentials like soap and sanitary supplies. And because we’re committed to children growing, learning and playing even while distancing, age appropriate craft supplies, books, puzzles and games were also included. In total, each box costs just under $500.

Our Camp Director, Dana, along with our Leadership Director, Vicky Calvin, have spent countless hours on the phone texting, calling and speaking with staff, leadership program participants, alumni, moms and parents who are simply overwhelmed with anxiety given today’s climate. I can’t tell you what a privilege it has been to be able to help in such a significant way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making it a reality.

Attached is a letter we received from one of our “Mom’s Camp” Campers. I think it will give you a more personal understanding of the importance of your support than anything I could ever write.

Wishing you and your loved ones health at this time,
Emily, Dana & the Scugog team

Emily Clark (she/her/hers)
Development Officer
Community. Growth. Play. Respect.
www.campscugog.org

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Letter of Thanks Received by Camp Scugog From a Scugog Mom

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Hi everyone,
I am a 33-year-old case Manager/Counsellor providing support and counselling to women recovering from addiction and mental health issues. Last year was the first year that I attended camp Scugog with my Mother, nieces and nephews. Life is so busy for me and I don’t get to spend much time with my Mother, who has always been my best friend. My experience at camp was so amazing. The staff were so caring; understanding and supportive. I felt that it gave me the opportunity to reconnect and bond with my Mother and family in a way that I haven’t in years. I decided right there that I would return next year and create a tradition with my Mother in the company of your amazing Staff.

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My Mother has many health issues and is currently raising my niece. My Mother is always putting others first and never thinks of herself. When the coronavirus hit, I found out that my Mother didn’t have any food in her house; as she lives on a fixed income and lives in a food desert. My Mother is also not well enough to go out and get food; as she is at a higher risk. I was able to buy groceries on my credit card for my Mother and travelled almost 2 hours on the bus to drop it off for her a week and a half ago. This worried me as I am at risk of catching and transferring the COVID-19 to my family as I have no choice but to continue to work; as I work in a transitional home that remains open.

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I currently am struggling financially as well. My husband was deployed for disaster relief in early December; became very ill and was medically evacuated back to Toronto. He was in hospital clinging to life and eventually had to have his foot amputated. I’m pleased to say that he is now home recovering. I have been the sole income earner for my family since December which also includes caring for my husband’s terminally ill brother at home.

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I received a phone call from Dana the other day while I was at work explaining that she wanted to help me by gathering and delivering food to my Mother. An overwhelming feeling of relief came over me and I cried. In that moment I felt so loved and cared for. I realized that it was one less thing that I had to worry about. That phone call reminded me that there are amazing people who care and are willing to go outside of their duty to help others in need. I was amazed with the amount of people who got behind Dana to make this happen.

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From the bottom of my heart I want to thank Dana; the Board of Directors and the amazing people who took the time to think of others and donated money knowing that they might be struggling themselves. Please know that your generosity and thoughtfulness has reached my family and I am very grateful.

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Please know that if I am ever in a position to give back in some way, that I will.
Warmly,
A grateful “Scugog mom” and her family

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Would you like to donate to Camp Scugog?

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