Amherst resident set to fundraise for Y camps

Dale Fawthrop, deputy mayor of Amherst and chair of the town’s accessibility committee, will celebrate his 80th birthday by raising money for local children to attend Y Camps.

Fawthrop’s first Y camp memory is from the summer of 1950. Five days a week, he and a number of other campers walked across the bridge to Cornwall Island in the St. Lawrence River. He fondly remembers that fun filled summer.

Ever since that childhood summer, Fawthrop has believed in the original Y motto of Body, Mind and Spirit. For the past 16 years, he has been a member of the Cumberland Y board of directors. When he turned 70, he swam 70 laps to raise funds for children’s memberships. On May 7, he will complete an 80-minute accessible triathlon to raise money for children to attend local Y camps.

As chair of the town’s accessibility committee, Fawthrop has chosen a series of accessible events to complete the 80-minute triathlon. He will use a treadmill, a hand bicycle and the accessible pool to complete his birthday triathlon. Those who wish to sponsor the Y Camp event may do so by visiting the YMCA of Cumberland website: www. ymcaofcumberland.com.

YMCA camps in Atlantic Canada are gearing up to offer transformative experiences for children this summer. With a focus on fostering friendships, nurturing self-confidence, promoting independence and building resilience, YMCA camps have long been recognized as catalysts for positive growth in young individuals. For many children, attending camp is a dream that can only be realized with the generous support of their communities. By giving the gift of camp, donors enable campers to develop a deeper appreciation for nature, their community and, most importantly, themselves.

From now until April 30, YMCA branches across Atlantic Canada will unite in an ambitious initiative to send 1,300 kids to camp this summer. Understanding the unique challenges faced by each community, the YMCA has conducted thorough research to ensure that barriers to camp participation, whether financial, transportation-related, or cultural, are systematically addressed.

“With your support, we aim to remove obstacles for all kids, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine bright at camp,” says Anna Barnes, vice-president, YMCA Atlantic Regional Development Centre (RDC). “By providing children with this enriching experience, we can help them grow, connect with others, and build their confidence. Our goal is to extend this opportunity to as many children as possible.”