Last year CLV Group donated $10,000 to Easter Seals from funds raised from our Annual Ron Kolbus Memorial Charity Golf Tournament. Easter Seals Ontario provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario to help them achieve greater independence, accessibility and integration. As a thank you, Easter Seals invited us to visit their annual Camp Merrywood, a 10-day holiday camp where the children can expand their leadership abilities through a myriad of creative arts programs and multi-sports activities.
As you enter the Merrywood gates, you’re greeted by various signposts quoting the camp’s famous song, “Slow Down” “You Move Too Fast” “We Got to Make” “Our Campers Last”. It became the mantra of the day for Kelly, our CLV Group representative for the day, as she attended a beautiful day at the Camp Merrywood site.
“Being in the sun, by the water and with nature allowed me to shed the fast paced city off and tune into what really matters…..FUN!! Everywhere I looked there were children and teens having fun and just being kids. I was amazed to find that these kids were not only participating in activities that they could manage with their special needs, they were doing EVERYTHING any other kid could do. Sailing, archery, basketball, fishing, kayaking, canoeing as well as drama, crafts and a whole host of life skills. They even have a four day overnight camping trip where they canoe and camp outside in tents! The staff are amazing and “MacGyver” their surroundings to adapt to any child. Nothing can stop them!” – Kelly R.
Kelly mentioned that it was so refreshing and beautiful to see all the campers smiling and basking in the ability to play games without limitations. But as crafty as this team is, they still have a modest wish list of things they need to help them continue to teach the life skills these kids need to succeed. Please check out their wish list, and donate what you can to an amazing and worthy cause!
A huge thank you to Easter Seals for having CLV Group out to the amazing Camp Merrywood site and for doing all that you do for the differently abled children and teens of Ontario!
