Rotary helps send 360 Thorncliffe kids to camp

Funds raised by the Leaside Rotary Club helped send Thorncliffe Park kids to day camp this summer, building ties between the two communities, a long-term goal for Leaside resident Bill Pashby, the volunteer chair of the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office (TNO) .

“I believe it’s a good idea for Leasiders to learn more about our neighbours in Thorncliffe Park,” says Pashby. “And this initiative by the Leaside Rotary Club has been a great contribution to that process.”

With donations from club members and others, 360 children 7-14 years old attended Camp Explorer, run by TNO in two three-week sessions.

TNO camp director Nawal AlBusaidi says the highlight of the camp for the kids was participating in outdoor activities, like canoeing and learning about plants and biology in High Park, which many had never experienced before.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Leaside Rotarians and others,” she added, “these children had a camp experience they will remember for ever.”

“I was delighted by the enthusiasm of the kids taking part,” said Leaside Rotary Club treasurer George Hurst. “The program was very well run by capable staff who had everything under control.”