🚧 Exciting news! Camp Kindle in #Alberta is expanding with a $8.9 million project to support kids affected by cancer! 💛🏕️ Join us in celebrating this groundbreaking moment! 🎉
#Olds #CancerSupport #KidsCancerCare
Groundbreaking Planned for Water Valley-area Camp's $8.9 Million Expansion
Next week marks a significant milestone for children affected by cancer in Alberta, as the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta breaks ground on a major expansion project at Camp Kindle. Located in Mountain View County, Camp Kindle is a cherished haven for child cancer survivors, offering a supportive environment that fosters healing, friendship, and resilience. The new expansion, estimated at $8.9 million, will dramatically enhance the camp’s facilities and accessibility, ensuring that even more children can benefit from its unique programs.
A Beacon of Hope in Alberta
Camp Kindle, operated by the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, has long been a sanctuary for young cancer survivors and their families. The camp’s mission is clear: to provide a space where kids can reclaim their childhood, make lasting friendships, and build resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. Located southwest of Cremona, the camp is widely recognized as one of the province’s premier facilities dedicated to supporting child cancer survivors.
Jason Nixon, the Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community, and Social Services, is set to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on September 17. He will announce substantial financial support for the expansion, a testament to the provincial government’s commitment to this vital cause. In a recent press release, Nixon praised the foundation for its exceptional work, stating, “We are lucky to have such a world-class organization here in Alberta that brings hope and support to children and families when they need it most.”
Expanding to Meet Growing Needs
The planned expansion at Camp Kindle is more than just a physical growth; it's a bold step towards inclusivity and accessibility. The new development will increase the camp's capacity and introduce a range of new facilities, including accessible play areas, a multi-purpose building with an arts and crafts workshop, a teaching and learning kitchen, diverse collaboration spaces, an outdoor percussion playground, and an interconnected, accessible treehouse village.
These additions are designed to enhance the camp experience for children of all abilities, ensuring that every child, regardless of their physical capabilities, can participate fully in all activities. The expansion also addresses the growing need for flexible staff housing, crucial for attracting and retaining talented professionals who make the camp experience so special for the children.
Stories of Courage and Community
The groundbreaking ceremony will feature several young cancer survivors, including 12-year-old Sammy Duffin and his 10-year-old sister Lucy. Sammy, who attended Camp Kindle after his cancer treatment, will join in celebrating this new chapter for the camp. His father, Dean Duffin, who chairs the Kids Cancer Care board of directors, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the camp's impact on their family. He shared how the camp allowed Sammy and Lucy to reconnect after the prolonged separation due to Sammy’s hospital stays and treatment side effects.
“The kids love camp,” Dean said. “They love all the cool counsellors, the color war games, the campfire songs, and the delicious camp meals.” His words capture the essence of Camp Kindle – a place where kids can experience joy, camaraderie, and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time in their lives.
Building Resilience and Lifelong Friendships
Tracey Martin, CEO of Kids Cancer Care, emphasizes the transformative power of Camp Kindle’s programs. “Camp Kindle gives these kids a chance to get outdoors in nature and be with other kids on a similar journey,” she said. “They develop skills, build resilience, and make lifelong friendships.” For many of these children, the camp is more than a retreat; it is a pivotal part of their development and their ability to cope with the long-term effects of cancer.
The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta has a rich history of supporting young cancer patients. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has invested over $34 million in various programs, impacting more than 30,000 children and families. The planned expansion at Camp Kindle reflects a continued commitment to this mission, ensuring that even more children can benefit from its life-changing programs.
A Call to Support
The expansion at Camp Kindle represents an incredible opportunity for the community to rally behind a cause that makes a profound difference in the lives of children facing cancer. As the project moves forward, there will undoubtedly be more opportunities for individuals, businesses, and community groups to support this effort, whether through donations, volunteerism, or advocacy.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to share your thoughts on this exciting development! Visit our Facebook or Twitter pages and let us know what you think about the Camp Kindle expansion. Your opinions and support can help amplify the impact of this remarkable project and bring more awareness to the vital work of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer.