In order to help keep its summer day camp program going, the Hillsburgh and District Lions Club is hoping for a $5,000 donation from the town.
Mary Rothwell, the club’s secretary, said the day camp was started 26 years ago, and for the first 10 years the camp did great, thanks to annual grants from the province ranging from $6,000 to $12,000.
But that money is no longer available, Rothwell said, and in recent years costs have gone up 20%, while enrollment has increased by just 10%.
“We’ve been treading water for quite a few years,” she told council. “Please help us.”
The club is asking for $5,000 to help cover the cost of improved Sports equipment, fixing swings, planting grass, and purchasing supplies like pens, pencils, and other items needed for crafts.
In addition, the club wants to start a new breakfast club, which involves hiring a nutritionist, in order to provide kids with a healthy start to the day.
Lions club member Doug Smith explained about 200 to 225 kids annually attend the camp, which costs about $20,000 to run each year. He said the club tries to keep registration low so all families can afford it ($140 per child for a two week session).
Council unanimously passed a resolution to support the breakfast club idea in principle, and to send the financial request to budget deliberations.
