Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023

your favourite charity is in need of some help in the form of charitable donations!

Dec 1st update:
Congrats to our lucky prize winners!
’Giving Tuesday’ donors Natalie Allison and Ann Van’t Riet have each won a $250 credit towards Camp Fircom programming or merchandise!

As the year draws to a close, donations will not only benefit Camp Fircom tremendously, they will also benefit all of our donors. When donations of $20.00 or more are made through CanadaHelps, donors will automatically receive a Charitable Tax Receipt that can be used to offset an individual’s or business’ 2023 income taxes when filing tax returns.

We had a stellar 2023 camp and retreat season, and the amount of registrations we have received within one week of launching registration for the 2024 season is very exciting. Thank you to everyone who provides us with ongoing support by participating in our programs!

While the number of registrations for our camps and retreats is overwhelmingly positive, our financial reality as we reach the end of the 2023 fiscal year is not encouraging. The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic has led to significant financial consequences for our organization, as have rapidly increasing operating costs due to rising costs on a global scale (i.e,. fuel for our energy systems, water taxi fares, grocery expenses, staff wages, program supplies for camps and retreats, site equipment and materials for building repairs, etc.) and a reduction in available grants and wage subsidies that we used to be able to count on each operating season. 

If you have the capacity to do so, the most meaningful way you can help to make a difference for Camp Fircom in the short term and ensure that we have a successful operating season in 2024 is to make a donation TODAY or anytime between now and the end of December. Encourage your friends, family members, and those in your social circles and place of employment to do the same! 

There are two ways that an individual or business can donate:
(UNTIL NOV 30 AT MIDNIGHT) 

• A one-time donation, OR

• A commitment to becoming a monthly donor for as little as $5.00 per month (that’s less than the purchase of a Grande Latte at Starbucks!).  

When making a donation, there are two options to choose from in terms of how you would like your donation to be used:

1. As Needed. These donations will be used towards the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment for our site and for our camp and outdoor education programs. Examples of high priority purchases for next year are a ‘new to us’ truck (poor Ghost Rider is struggling and not likely to make it through another season), a ‘new to us’ ride-on mower, archery targets, and materials and supplies to build garden beds with a drip irrigation system.

2. General Camperships. These donations will be used to provide subsidies for children, youth and families who would not otherwise be able to experience the magic of Fircom! This year, we offered approximately $16,000.00 in subsidies and our Campership Fund is running low. It would be amazing to significantly increase this fund through donations so that we can continue to live our value of accessibility for people of all income levels.

As it is our Centennial Year (Camp Fircom began operating 100 years ago, in1923!), we thought it would be great to offer a little incentive for our donors!

A one-time donation amount of $100.00 or a commitment to be a monthly donor with a minimum donation of $10.00 per month will enter donors into a prize draw for a $250 credit that can be used towards registration in an available 2024 camp or retreat session and/or the purchase of merchandise from our Tuck Shop.

A total of two $250.00 credits are available as prizes!

Each donor will receive an entry into the draw for every $100.00 donated to Camp Fircom (for monthly donors, a $10.00 per month commitment would give one prize draw entry, a $30.00 per month commitment would give three prize draw entries, etc.). Draw will be made on December 1st.

On behalf of our entire staff team and Board of Directors, thank you in advance for supporting Camp Fircom with a donation if you have the financial means to do so … and for helping to spread the word!

With much gratitude,

Terra McKenzie - Executive Director