Influx of funds from donors keeps Camp Koolaree afloat for summer
By Contributor
It’s about as close to a miracle as one could get.
On the eve of pulling the plug for good, the Board of Directors of the Camp Koolaree Society are overwhelmed at the response to their request for financial help.
“In just over three months we’ve moved from in debt and despair to well funded and confident of our ability to offer a camping experience to any child or family that wants to have one,” board Treasurer Deanne Steven said.
Camp Koolaree is a camp for children owned by the United Church of Canada and located on the shores of Kootenay Lake.
The camp, for kids eight to 18, has been operating since 1931.
The turnaround is due to the direct financial support of hundreds of people from throughout the West Kootenay and Boundary areas. Funds began pouring in when word of the camp’s plight went out in mid March, and haven’t shown signs of letting up since.
“The single largest donation arrived in the mail last week,” said board Chair Peter Herd.
“The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, went to Koolaree as a child and wanted to make sure that families could continue sending their children. We were absolutely astonished to receive the ten thousand dollar cheque that was sent along to make it so.”
With other pledges from community and church groups vowing to make sure that kids are able to run, play, swim, canoe, hike, craft, learn about creation and experience the unique attributes of Camp Koolaree, the board is confident that financial hardship will not get in the way of any child who wants to spend a week at Koolaree.
They are only worried about the numbers of campers who’ve signed up so far.
“Bad news spreads faster than good,” said registrar Misty Soukochoff, “We are ready to fund camps and to help cover the registration costs of those who need it, but we’re a little short of applicants.”
Camp directors John and Julianna Marko (teen co-ed); Robin Murray (junior girls); Peter Herd (junior boys); Cynthia St. Thomas (novice) and Julie Clarke (family) are lining up staff and developing programs for their camps.
All they need now are the kids.
For more information or to register your camper, check out the website at campkoolaree.ca
