When the Family YMCA of Prince George opened an annual fundraising campaign to the wider community, they were hoping for a modest increase on past success.
At the beginning of the second annual Strong Kids campaign in February, organizers hoped to raise more than $10,000 to send 60 children to Camp Kanannaq this summer.
Last year, the Y successfully raised enough to send 45 kids to camp.
But when all was said and done, the community had stepped up to boost those numbers by more than $5,000, which will send an extra 27 children to the Nukko Lake day camp.
"We're just thrilled with the response," said Karen Cameron, Family Y manager of resource development and communications. "We are trying to make a difference for kids in the community and summer camp is a good place to start."
To raise the money, YMCA staff reached out to the community with organized events such as a Zumba-thon, pickleball tournament and spin-a-thon, that raised more than $800 combined. The bird feeders decorated by Simon Fraser Lodge residents, YMCA staff and volunteers and children in the care programs also raised nearly $1,000 at a silent auction.
What helped to push the campaign over the edge was a new partnership with local pubs. For every order of nachos sold at the Shooters Group, BX Pub and College Heights Pub, $1 was donated to Strong Kids.
"We sold approximately 900 orders of nachos over the four weeks as part of the Nachos for Strong Kids promotion," said Shooters Group president Jordy Hoover in a press release. The businesses ended up actually donating $5,000 to the cause.
"While it was a fun way for our staff and customers to support the Family YMCA, on the serious side, we believe that every child should enjoy a traditional summer camp experience, no what their financial situation. It was an easy decision to increase our donation," Hoover said.
Cameron said she expects the Strong Kids campaign will continue to grow over the years. "I think every year you increase it, just to do more because the need is always there," she said. "We're taking baby steps. We're really pleased with the public's response. People seem to have a soft spot in their hearts for summer camp."
