Free summer camps offered to children of Syrian refugees and Fort McMurray evacuees
'We understand what they’re going through and want to support in any way we can'
Children who escaped war-torn Syria or fled the Fort McMurray wildfire can go to summer camp in Edmonton for free.
NAIT is offering these children free admission to the mini-Ooks and multi-sports camps taking place on their campuses from July 4 to Aug. 19.
The kids will be able to play a variety of sports, swim, and participate in crafts.
Erin Strilchuk, manager of student recruitment & events at NAIT, said she knows children from these groups are going through a tumultuous time so she wants to offer them a little bit of calm.
We opened our doors, but we also opened our hearts to these families because in the end we are all people.- Erin Strilchuk
"We want them to be completely worry-free. We know that the children… going through hard times can be the most resilient," Strilchuk said.
"With that being said we still want to make sure we're providing them with the best experience they can have."
Strilchuk said the decision was a no-brainer and "reflects NAIT's values."
Discussions about helping Syrian refugees began some time ago. After the Fort McMurray fire, NAIT decided to extend the offer to young evacuees, Strilchuk said.
"We understand what they're going through and want to support in any way we can," she said.
"We opened our doors, but we also opened our hearts to these families, because in the end we are all people."