The federal government has made a major funding announcement to support the construction of a new camp in Prince Edward County for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Thursday morning, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Member of Parliament for Burlington North-Milton West, and Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, announced more than $27 million in federal funding to build a new medically supported overnight camp.
The project will be located at 565 Wesley Acres Road in Bloomfield, with hundreds of camp spaces and staff estimate of 150. It’s expected to be finished by 2030.
Supported through the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund, the new facility will include an activity centre, dining hall, accessible recreational facilities, creative and cultural program spaces, and equestrian facilities. Together, these spaces will give children room to learn, play, make new friends and enjoy the outdoors, while having access to the medical support they require.
The federal government is investing $27,718,655 in this project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. Various philanthropists have also donated $90 million, including $20 million from Emmanuelle Gattuso and $15 million from Stu and Kim Lang.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is building infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations – the type of infrastructure projects that support stronger, safer, more connected communities across the country. Investing in projects like Campfire Circle Overnight Camp is vital for the well-being of our communities and our children. I am thrilled to see this investment in Campfire Circle, and am honoured that they’ve chosen Prince Edward County to create a haven for children and families who are facing one of life’s most daunting challenges. This investment helps ensure children facing a serious illness will still have an opportunity to enjoy the simple, but oh so special pleasure of just being a kid.”
Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte
“Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities. Every child deserves a community where they can play, make friends, try new things and simply enjoy being a kid. For children living with cancer or serious illness, Campfire Circle makes that possible while giving families the reassurance that the medical support they need is close by. This investment will help create a place where kids can make memories and experience the joy of camp, making a real difference for them and their families.”
The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State and Member of Parliament for Burlington North-Milton West
“For 43 years, Campfire Circle has created camp experiences for children with cancer or serious illness and their families, combining expert medical care with joy, connection, and a sense of belonging during some of life’s most difficult moments. As the only medical camp in Canada that can administer IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions on site, we are incredibly grateful for this historic investment. It will help expand access to our unique model of medical care, play, and community, ensuring more children and families across eastern Ontario can experience the transformative impact of camp, sooner.”
Alex Robertson, CEO of Campfire Circle
