MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Youngsters affected by cancer are expected to take part in the groundbreaking for an $8.9 million expansion and accessibility project at Camp Kindle next week.
Located southwest of Cremona, in Mountain View County, Camp Kindle is one of the province’s premier facilities for the support of child cancer survivors. It is owned and operated by Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.
Jason Nixon, minister of Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services, is also scheduled to be on hand for the Tuesday, Sept. 17 groundbreaking to announce major financial support for the project.
Officials with Kids Cancer Care will also take part in the ceremony.
The expansion at the facility will increase capacity at the camp, including the addition of accessible and flexible play surfaces, a multi-purpose building with an arts and crafts workshop, a teaching and learning kitchen, diverse collaboration spaces, an outdoor percussion playground, and an accessible interconnected treehouse village.
“The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta does incredible work to help young people affected by cancer,” MLA Nixon said in a release issued Thursday. “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.”
The expansion at Camp Kindle will allow the foundation to address capacity challenges, enhance accessible indoor and outdoor program spaces, and address the growing need for responsible and flexible staff housing, say officials.
Sammy Duffin, a 12-year-old cancer survivor, and his 10-year-old sister Lucy Duffin, are among those scheduled to take part in Tuesday’s ceremony.
Sammy and Lucy attended Camp Kindle following his cancer treatment. His father Dean Duffin is the chair of the Kids Cancer Care board of directors.
“It was amazing or them to have a shared adventure together after so such time spent apart due to hospital stays and side effects from treatment,” Dean Duffin said in the press release.
“The kids love camp. They love all the cool counsellors, the colour war games, the campfire songs and the delicious camp meals.”
Tracey Martin is the chief executive officer of Kids Cancer Care.
“We’re deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses and government that have given to this project,” Martin said in the release. “Camp Kindle gives these kids a chance to get outdoors in nature and be with other kids on a similar journey. They develop skills, build resilience and make lifelong friendships at Camp Kindle.
“It plays a huge role in their development and their ability to cope with the lasting impact of this disease.”
Since its formation 30 year ago, the foundation has invested more than $34 million in programs, serving more than 30,000 children and families.
