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Chilliwack seniors help kids get to camp

A group of 30 kids are at summer camp this week thanks to the generosity of the Chilliwack community.
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A group of 30 kids are at summer camp this week thanks to the generosity of the Chilliwack community.

A dozen excited kids are having fun at summer camp this week thanks to some help from local seniors.

Chartwell Lynnwood Retirement Residence has partnered with the Salvation Army for several years. They host food drives, sponsor families with gifts and food during Christmastime, and in the summers they fundraise to send kids to Camp Sunrise.

They’ve been hosting fundraising events at the residence for weeks, including the big carnival and barbecue event on June 25.

Residents, family and friends successfully raised over $4,000 toward their camp initiative this year, which covers the cost for 12 kids to enjoy a week of play, laughter and exploration this summer.

Lynnwood residents spent Monday morning at the Salvation Army Church with a group of 30 kids who waited with their families for the camp bus to arrive.

The walls were lined with packed suitcases and canvas duffle bags. Between games to channel their excitement, the young campers shook the hands of the seniors and thanked them for providing the opportunity that awaits them at the Sunshine Coast.

The five-day camp offers kids aged 7 to 12 the chance to take part in activities like swimming, archery, zip-lining, canoeing, field games, arts and crafts and so much more. It’s a safe place for kids to unwind, make friends and try something new.

Thanks to local ‘Send a Kid to Camp’ initiatives like this one, many kids whose parents wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford the cost of camp are able to attend.

AdaLynn Munro, age 7, is going to camp this year for the first time. She’s been counting down the number of “sleeps” for weeks, and raving about the fun activities she’s going to be able to try.

Leland Wurtak, age 11, is returning to camp for the fourth summer this year. What does he love most about it?

“Everything!” he said. But if he had to choose, it would probably be the friendships that he’s made.

Excitement grew as the bus rolled up to the church and the kids started loading their gear.

Kids hugged parents tightly on the sidewalk. They boarded the bus one by one, found their seats and pulled down the windows to hear their moms and dads call out, “Have fun! Be safe! I love you!”

Lynnwood seniors waved goodbye from the shade, smiling just as wide as the kids themselves who were off to begin their summer adventure.

“Most residents of Lynnwood have a big heart,” said Doris Cartmell, one of the seniors who contributed to the cause. “And we have very good leaders. After this, our priority turns to helping the needy families for Christmas.”