Fill the Bus
Campaign to send more than 360 kids to camp
Two local organizations are helping the YMCA ‘Fill the Bus’ with kids to camp.
Chat4Chad and Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty announced they will match donations to the campaign, up to $25,000 each.
“Chad loved the outdoors. He would go camping all the time. Fishing. Canoeing,” says Wade Ringler, Chat4Chad founder. “That’s why this is such a strong connection for Chat4Chad because it represents the person he was, what he loved. He had a huge compassionate heart for kids that maybe otherwise wouldn’t be able to go to camp without campaigns like this. I know he’s smiling down, no doubt proud of this campaign and what we’re able to do.”
Rob Jamieson, Owner & Broker of Record, Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty, fondly remembers going to camp on John Island for two years as a kid.
He says a lot of their agents do charitable work, but they wanted to do something as a team that has an impact locally and helping send kids to camp fits the bill.
“As Wade said [at Thursday’s announcement] it helps kids build confidence. They experience things they’ll never forget and it’s healthy,” he says. “Whether it’s John Island or day camps, the Fill the Bus campaign allows kids that may not be able to get that opportunity to get to camp. That’s something that’s very important. For some kids it’s lifechanging.” The YMCA says potentially raising $100,000 would send more than 360 kids to camp.
Funds raised will help cover the cost of camp registration, running shoes, sleeping bags, and other camp supplies, equipment and upgrades.
“Every young person deserves the chance to shine, connect, and belong – regardless of their circumstances,” says Lorrie Turnbull, President and CEO of the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. “Thanks to the generosity of Chat4Chad and Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty, community support will have twice the impact, opening the door for more kids to experience the safety and joy of YMCA Camps.”
Donations can be made online at fillthebus.ca.
Country 90.5 FM CFCH and 106.3 Jet FM are proud media sponsors of the campaign.
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
