Community Fundraiser Sends Mothers and Children to Camp

By: June Li

Last month, The Salvation Army Lakeshore Community Church in Etobicoke held a rummage sale to help send local families to camp. From beginning to end, this event was truly a community effort, “We had people from the Church bring items to sell at the rummage sale, a group of ladies did a bake sale, and an individual even donated food for the barbeque,” explained, Jennifer Hibbs, Administrative Assistance and Youth Outreach Worker, Lakeshore Community Church.

The money raised helped cover the cost of transportation for 14 local moms and their children attending The Salvation Army’s Moms and Tots camp. Hibbs explained that the success of the event helped raise the spirits of those attending the camp, “The outpouring support from the Church and community showed the families that they are loved and cared about.”

While at Moms and Tots camp, mothers and their children have the opportunity to bond with each other; make new memories while exploring the beauty of nature. For a week, moms will have the chance to spend time with their children without the stress of everyday life. Not only is Moms and Tots camp a place where mothers can strengthen their bond with their children, but it also allows them to meet other mothers like them.

“Every evening, there are activities for the moms where they can get together,” says Hibbs, “This opportunity allows them to interact with other moms who may be going through the same challenges. For many of the mothers, Moms and Tots is a stress reliever, but more so a place where they know they are not alone.”

Parenthood can be stressful, but this week allows mothers to relax and renew their spirit.
Many participants leave camp with a different outlook and a more positive attitude. “There are a lot of single mothers in our neighbourhood and loneliness is a common struggle,” says Hibbs, “Through camp, they now have a group of moms that support one another and more importantly a church that surrounds them with love and support.”

For more information about The Salvation Army’s Mom and Tots camp, please contact Major Tina Rideout, Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries at Tina_Rideout@can.salvationarmy.org.