Generosity helped send kids to camp

As a student working at Caledon Community Services (CCS) for the summer, I have been able to learn a great deal about our community.

CCS just finished their summer "Kidz to Kamp," which gives under-privileged children the chance to go to camp, all expenses paid. During the summer, we were flooded with support from the community, and in the end, we were able to send 88 children to camp, raising more than $22,000. For this, we give our supporters the greatest gratitude.

I stayed out of the limelight for the greater part of the fund-raiser, but near the end, I was fortunate to visit one of the children we were sending to camp. His name was Raymond, a rambunctious, active child who lives in a small apartment with his mother and grandmother. It was obvious that his mother, a single parent trying to balance a full-time job with caring for her family, needed a break.

I will always remember the look on Raymond's face when he realized he was going to camp. He couldn't sit still as he chattered on about all the adventures he was about to have and all the other kids he was about to meet. It was clear that being cooped up in that tiny apartment without anyone his own age to talk to was taking a toll on him.

Thanks to your wonderful support, Raymond and the other 87 children were able to have the best summer possible.

By giving back to the community, you not only feel good, you make others feel good as well. And that is the greatest gift of all.

Ainsley Matthews

Summer Student Caledon Community Services