Written by Doug Crosse, MyMuskokaNOW staff.
Two popular kids camps that cater to kids afflicted by childhood cancer have agreed to a merger.
The Boards of Directors for Camps Trillium and Oochigeas said the merge was to help further the goal of reaching every child and family affected by childhood cancer across Ontario.
The two camps have been providing camp programs for kids with cancer for over 30 years. According to a press release the “ merger will enable deeper support for families, result in camp programs in more communities, including eight hospitals across Ontario, and bring more children and their families to overnight camps.”
Executive Director for Camp Trillium. Marci Shea-Perry, said her organziation was excited to work with Camp Ooch.
“We are excited to work with our friends at Camp Ooch to expand family-focused childhood cancer programming in Ontario,” said Shea-Perry. “The challenges we face and needs we address separately are best met by working together.”
The combined organization will deliver first-class programming currently provided independently, under one umbrella. The result will be a stronger organization, a broader donor and supporter base, and a more sustainable financial structure.
Alex Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, of Camp Ooch said the merger will better serve kids and families dealing with cancer.
“We look forward to working with Camp Trillium to strengthen support for children and families affected by childhood cancer,” said Robertson. “This is about leveraging our combined strengths for the benefit of campers, their families, our collective volunteers and staffs, and the long-time supporters of both our organizations.”
When the merger is complete Robertson will become CEO of the combined province-wide organization. Shea-Perry will step into the new role of Executive Director, Strategy & Integration, supporting Robertson by overseeing the merger of the operations.
Camp Trillium and Camp Ooch head offices are located in Hamilton and Toronto, respectively. These offices will remain in place, and staff will remain in existing roles. The combined organization will continue to operate all current programming, including in-hospital programs, community programs at Ooch Downtown and elsewhere in Ontario, and overnight camp at Ooch Muskoka, Camp Trillium-Rainbow Lake, Waterford (Southwestern region), Camp Trillium-OuR Island, Wellington (Eastern region).