Seniors fulfill summer camp dreams for Chilliwack youth
Brian Dickinson's own campfire memories fuelled his fundraising zeal to help disadvantaged kids
Summer camp can create lifelong memories and friendships, but for many families the cost puts it out of reach.
For Brian Dickinson, his own campfire memories motivated him to go all out with a fundraising effort at the seniors residence where he lives.
Dickinson, with other residents and staff at the Lynnwood Retirement Residence in Chilliwack, raised enough in six months to send 14 children to the Salvation Army's Camp Sunrise on the Sunshine Coast.
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"We're towards the end of our life," said Dickinson, 82.
Chance to be silly
"It's right and I think, great, that we can help some young people who are from homes that are disadvantaged in that they don't have much income," Dickinson said. "A lot of single moms, I think."
Dickinson attended the send-off for the young campers in 2016, his first year at the Lynnwood facility.
It was an emotional experience, he said, "to have those little kids come up to you and say thank you."
Twelve-year-old James Lane was one of the children who was able to experience summer camp as a result of the seniors' sponsorship.
He said at camp it was easier to meet people, go places and be silly, if he felt like it.
Canoeing 'the most fun ever'
"We went canoeing. It was the most fun I've ever had," Lane said.
Dickinson said the fundraising drive included proceeds from a residents' barbecue and pub night, anonymous donations and refunds on empty bottles and cans.
"Every nickel counts, and if you get enough nickels you've got a buck."
From his own experience in Boy Scouts and the St. John Ambulance Brigade, he learned the value of camping for boosting morale, getting out to play in the outdoors and having something to talk about — or boast about — back at school.
"I think my favourite memory was campfire and singing silly songs," he said.
With files from On the Coast.