The provincial government has announced $500,000 in new funding for Camp Kindle, one of the province’s premier facilities in support of child cancer survivors and their families.
Located west of Water Valley, the camp is owned and operated by Kids Cancer Care Foundation.
Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre area MLA Jason Nixon was at the camp on Tuesday, Sept. 17 to announce the new funding and to take part in the groundbreaking for an $8.9 million expansion and accessibility project at the camp.
The $500,000 from the province will help the camp replace and upgrade its facilities, Nixon said in a prepared statement.
“The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta does incredible work to help young people affected by cancer,” said Nixon. “I know this funding will play a key role in Camp Kindle expanding its capacity to impact the lives of more young Albertans across the province.
“We are lucky to have such a world-class organization here in Alberta that brings hope and support to children and families when they need it most.”
Camp Kindle is the only accredited oncology camp in Alberta and is equipped with a modern medical centre, allowing specialized care, daily medication and other routine medical procedures for its young visitors, officials said.
Tracey Martin is the chief executive officer of Kids Cancer Care.
“We’re deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses and government that have given to this project, which is so important to the lives of children with cancer,” Martin said in a prepared statement.
“Camp Kindle gives these kids a chance to get outdoors in nature and be with other kids on a similar journey. They develop skills, build resilience and make lifelong friendships.”
Dean Duffin, whose 12-year-old son Sammy is a cancer survivor who has visited the camp, is the chairman of the Kids Cancer Care Board of Directors.
“The kids love camp,” Duffin said. “It is amazing for them to have a shared adventure together after so much time spent apart due to hospital stays and side effects from treatment.”
The $8.9-million expansion at Camp Kindle will increase capacity at the facility, including the addition of accessible and flexible play surfaces and an interconnected treehouse village, say officials.
