THUNDER BAY – LIVING – Reflecting on a fun-filled week of smiles, laughter and friendship at Camp Quality, I am incredibly touched by all of the support we received. We had many supporters help us to get camp in place this year including First Student Canada, Fort City Kinsmen, Gordon Trailer Sales & Rental, Lakehead Cleaners, Lowery’s, Smith’s RV Centre, Spectrum Group, Tbaytel and Rod Turrie.
Once camp kicked off, guests joined in to facilitate a barrage of activities for our campers to make sure they had all sorts of things to keep them entertained and we had the pleasure of visiting some new friends and some old ones with our trips off-site. Many of our facilitators donated or discounted their time and/or services and some even provided snacks or meals. Thank you to: Alan Dickson Photography, Canada Games Complex, Cindy Loohoo’s, Fireworks Unlimited, Galaxy Lanes, Highlights for Hope, Home Depot, Jerry Stitt and granddaughters, Let’s Talk Science, Master Seung’s Tae Kwon Do, Partie Sound, Rick Lang, Thunder Bay Border Cats and Wex Hoops. I would also like to recognize NetNewsLedger for hosting our blog to give everyone an inside look at the fun we have at Camp Quality.
Beyond the activities and/or meals, some of our guests also took their support to the next level by presenting us with some very generous donations. Being that Camp Quality is 100% funded by donations from individuals and organizations, these contributions mean so very much to the success of our programs. Three cheers for: KOA Kampgrounds ($4,000), Mr. Lube ($3,500), Thunder Bay Harley Owners Group ($2,000), Thunder Bay Police Association ($500) and True Grit Consulting Ltd. ($3,500).
We were thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Staal Foundation Open this year. Alexis Anghert and Max Gilbert from the PGA tour joined us for some bowling fun, now featured on the This is the PGA Tour Canada show. Check it out at GLOBAL TV PGA TOUR Canada (our story starts just after 13:50). After camp, we were privileged to be a part of the closing ceremonies, receiving a phenomenal $37,000 from the Staal Family Foundation. Words cannot begin to describe our incredible gratitude.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the 60+ volunteers, including those on our Camp Organizing Committee, who gave so much of their time and energy to make camp extra special for our campers. You help keep our campers smiling and full of hope.
Thank you Thunder Bay for all that you do for us each year. Because of you, our campers have an opportunity to try new things, build self-confidence and self-esteem, create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and forget about the challenges of living with cancer. You are our heroes!!
Ashleigh Quarrell
Director, Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario
