200 smiles gathering momentum
Posted by Stephen Rhodes
The Heart Lake Rotary club put smiles on the faces of 29 children stricken with cancer in their 200 miles for 200 smiles campaign this year. It's a fundraising event for Camp Oochigeas, a cancer camp for kids in Muskoka.
Heart Lake Rotarian Chris Frank and Karol Komar spoke to the club about this year's program, indicating they are looking for cyclists or support from our club.
"Our goal is to raise community awareness about the cancer camp and to raise funds to help send children to Camp Ooch," Chris said.
Karol along with Stephen Jones and Sharon Ingle, former Canadian National triatheletes, cycled the course from Toronto to the camp near Rousseau in the Muskokas last year. The ride this year will follow the same course over three days beginning July 17.
At Camp Ooch, children with cancer have a chance to experience the outdoors, acquire new skills and meet new friends. Medical professionals, business people and former camp attendees volunteer their time for two weeks each summer. There are three - two-week sessions.
"We have 200 volunteers on site over the summer," Karol said.
In addition to pledges, the Heart Lake club raises funds through sponsorships and encouraged our Rotary club to get involved.
"It costs $2,800 per child to send them to camp. This year we hoped to be able to exceed last year's campaign of $58,000, which sent 29 children to camp." Chris said.
Karol is asking Rotary clubs to get behind the project so more children will get an opportunity to attend Camp Ooch this year.
"There are three ways to participate. Join the committee, join in and cycle the route or make a donation," Karol said.
The Heart Lake Club is also looking for a way to involve Brampton Rotarians and the public in a local ride and have agreed to stage a ride from Heart Lake to Gage Park on the Rib 'n' Roll Saturday May 29.
PicturedChris Frank, Rotarian Sheila and Karol Komar.
"Our goal is to raise community awareness about the cancer camp and to raise funds to help send children to Camp Ooch," Chris said.
Karol along with Stephen Jones and Sharon Ingle, former Canadian National triatheletes, cycled the course from Toronto to the camp near Rousseau in the Muskokas last year. The ride this year will follow the same course over three days beginning July 17.
At Camp Ooch, children with cancer have a chance to experience the outdoors, acquire new skills and meet new friends. Medical professionals, business people and former camp attendees volunteer their time for two weeks each summer. There are three - two-week sessions.
"We have 200 volunteers on site over the summer," Karol said.
In addition to pledges, the Heart Lake club raises funds through sponsorships and encouraged our Rotary club to get involved.
"It costs $2,800 per child to send them to camp. This year we hoped to be able to exceed last year's campaign of $58,000, which sent 29 children to camp." Chris said.
Karol is asking Rotary clubs to get behind the project so more children will get an opportunity to attend Camp Ooch this year.
"There are three ways to participate. Join the committee, join in and cycle the route or make a donation," Karol said.
The Heart Lake Club is also looking for a way to involve Brampton Rotarians and the public in a local ride and have agreed to stage a ride from Heart Lake to Gage Park on the Rib 'n' Roll Saturday May 29.
PicturedChris Frank, Rotarian Sheila and Karol Komar.