Fundraising Goal: $1.5 million
Going to camp gives a child or teen the opportunity to build resilience, connection with nature, and life-long friendships. Many campers discover their leadership potential through camp.
The Y offers exceptional day and overnight camp experiences to children and youth regardless of the barriers they might face. Thousands of lives have been changed through the friendships, learning experiences, connection to nature and independence they have found at camp.
You can ensure that camping is the same enriching experience for future generations.
Thousands of lives have been changed through the friendships, learning experiences, connection to nature, and independence they have found at Y camps. Learn more about our camp experiences here.
An Important Message to Our Donors
Unlike other donation platforms, Zeffy does not charge transaction fees, so your entire donation goes directly to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. However, the platform does give you the option to add a tip to help Zeffy keep running its services. If you don’t want to add a tip, in the confirmation message, just choose “Other” in the drop-down menu and then enter $0.
Camp Statistics
Children and youth that attend overnight camp report increased environmental awareness, attitudes to physical activity, emotional intelligence, personal development and self confidence
Children are spending more than 7 hours a day in front of a screen. Camp gives kids healthy and active activities that connect them to other people and the joy of life beyond the screen
60% of YMCA Inclusion Camp participants were reported as demonstrating a positive change in their confidence
Sources: SWAHN Community Health Profile, Angus Reid, Statistics Canada, Fraser Institute, LPRC
Your gift helps a child or youth experience the life-changing world of camp:
$545,000 in financial assistance at YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth, Camp Henry and day camps across Southwestern Ontario
$135,000 to support access and running a unique and specialized camp program for children with Autism
$320,000 to protect the camp experience for the future through the Jordan Strickland Family Fund
$500,000 providing critical upgrades and maintenance to our camp locations
YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth has been one of the best opportunities I could have ever experienced in my life.
I really have to thank Jordan’s Run the Runway, all its supporters, and my family as I really feel overjoyed every time I am at the camp. CQE has given me the chance to strengthen my personal values such as respect, responsibility and independence among others; and at the same time, it has allowed me to gain leadership and survival skills through the many activities it offers, plus I got two high school credits.
I have really enjoyed my time at camp, going on a two-week wilderness outtrip, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and just spending time with the big family at CQE.
I love being a part of CQE and I am very grateful to have gotten the chance to attend these past years. I hope one day I could give back to the camp in the best ways I can.
Mateo Zapata Gomez, Camper