David introduced Kim and Dana of the Manitoba Camping Association, who came to talk to us about the Sunshine Fund. The Sunshine Fund is a charitable organization that financially assists children, who could otherwise not afford it, to attend summer camp. They shared a slideshow of kids at camp. Camp improves health outcomes, and this effect is even greater for youth from low income households. It allows them to unplug and connect with nature. Reasons to send kids to camp include: they appreciate outdoor activities, they learn beyond the classroom, and it improves their social and emotional health. The Sunshine Fund was established over 46 years ago when the Manitoba Camping Association partnered with the Winnipeg Free Press. Their belief is that every child deserves to go to camp, regardless of family income. MCA covers 80% of camp fees. Over 36,000 children have been supported to go to camp by the Sunshine Fund, with funding of $6.8 million. The Sunshine Fund boasts a 90% donor retention rate. They have an endowment fund with the Winnipeg Foundation. The endowment currently stands at $498,000, with the goal of reaching $1 million in 2027. There are thirty accredited camps in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The Fund only supports kids from Manitoba. Kim and Dana concluded by sharing a talk from J.P. Garrie who migrated from Columbia with two professional parents. Going to camp in Columbia was not safe, but going to camp in Manitoba changed his life for the better. He went on to become a camp counsellor, and is now in Japan studying on a scholarship.
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