NEWS RELEASE
CAMP COUCHICHING
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On May 29 an important partnership was celebrated between Jumpstart, Camp Couchiching and the local Orillia Canadian Tire store.
There is no doubt that the past few years have been challenging for all businesses. As a local independent charity, Camp Couchiching relied largely on community and grant support from 2020 to 2022, which helped sustain the organization through its 75th year of operation. Jumpstart played a key role in this by granting funds totalling $44,550 and that is in addition to individual family funding provided across a variety of programs that run year-round at Camp Couchiching.
What has this all meant for our community? Hundreds of local youth and families have benefited from partial or full subsidies, program supplies have been upgraded and added, and key staffing roles have been filled. None of this would have been possible without Jumpstart funding.
June is Jumpstart Month and the staff at the Orillia store are more committed than ever to encouraging donations. Founded in 2005, Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities.
Canadian Tire Orillia is locally owned and operated by associate dealer Ed Lukezic, who said, “Thanks to collaborative efforts of the cashiers, team members and generous customers, the success of our 2022 campaign made possible additional funding for Camp Couchiching,” which was celebrated at the cheque presentation on May 29.
This year the Orillia store team members have affectionately created a special cookbook to help raise donations to bring inclusive play to local youth.
“It is a collective achievement driven by the spirit of our team and is available during the month of June for donations of $25 or more,” says Valerie Lukezic, team liaison.
Every customer donation made in store is redistributed back into our local community.
The ultimate impact of Jumpstart and this community-led work is more access and participation in play, sport, and healthy lifestyles. This is especially significant after several years of gaps and as children relearn the value of playing together.
“It is about more than just sports or outdoor play,” says Ross McIntyre, a director at Camp Couchiching. “We consistently see growth in self-confidence, positive social connections, environmental awareness, and so many other other positive areas of development.”
Consider donating at your local store or online to support the incredible outcomes created through Jumpstart and passionate Canadian Tire team members. The benefits are far reaching and needed now more than ever before.
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