Fundraiser for The Salvation Army Helps Send More Children to Camp
A group of motorcycle enthusiasts hit the road for a good cause just ahead of summer, helping raise funds so more children can experience The Salvation Army’s Beaver Creek Camp in Saskatchewan.
Ride for Kids is an annual fundraiser supporting causes that benefit children. This year, they chose Beaver Creek, with 25 taking part in a ride to the camp. Through registration fees, merchandise sales and a raffle, the group collected a number of donations.
Proceeds will go toward making summer camp more affordable for families.
“Every volunteer who gave their time helped create an opportunity for children to experience camp.”
“To have this group of strangers take time out of their busy schedules to go on a ride so more children can experience camp was incredible. They all have big hearts,” says Kudakwashe Gonzo, divisional camping ministries director.
This partnership began after Ride for Kids reached out to several camps in the region to learn about their work. After consideration, the committee chose Beaver Creek as the beneficiary of this year’s fundraiser.
For organizer Shannon Arends, the decision meant a lot to her personally. Her grandfather and father both used to play in Salvation Army bands, so she has been familiar with the organization’s work since childhood.
Although she never had the opportunity to be a camper herself, Shannon has seen the positive impact summer camps can have on children through volunteering at camping programs with her husband.
“Every rider who registered, every sponsor who contributed, every volunteer who gave their time helped create an opportunity for children to experience camp friendship, encouragement and hope,” Shannon shares.
“These donations help us bridge that gap and allow more children to come to camp.”
While Salvation Army camps are already affordable, some families still struggle during this period of economic hardship.
“Sometimes even that small subsidy fee is still too much for certain families,” Kudakwashe says. “These donations help us bridge that gap and allow more children to come to camp.”
Camp brings many benefits that go beyond a fun time outdoors. It helps build confidence, develops leadership and teaches new skills.
For Shannon, organizing this fundraiser is also done to encourage the community to get more involved locally.
“Something I noticed this year about the event is that some families that were part of it are now interested in sending their kids to camp.”
Both The Salvation Army and Ride for Kids hope this year’s partnership is just the beginning of a long-lasting collaboration.
“We are very appreciative of this opportunity,” Kudakwashe adds. “We know the donations will make a real impact in the communities we serve.”
By Juan Romero
