They planned to purchase replacement canoes, said Chief Operating Officer Karen Staley, but then media reports inspired the donations, including from Ohio Rep. Sara Carruthers.
“I just can’t imagine taking anything away from the kids,” she said. “I was moved to help, I contributed and sent a letter to others to help as well. We have to get kids active, outside, learning, and building relationships. Programs like these accomplish all of that.”
Some 300 school-age children are served this summer in program options offered throughout Butler and Warren counties by the Great Miami Valley YMCA. These youth are also being served 1,500 breakfast meals and 2,000 lunches every week. Every Thursday and Friday, the kids had looked forward to being out on the canoes at the Camp Campbell Gard facility on Augspurger Road.
A camp alumni, who chose to remain anonymous, agreed to pay for half the replacement cots, and three other anonymous donors volunteered to fund the remaining expenses.
“The Great Miami Valley YMCA is extremely grateful for the donors who came forward to replace this equipment, and the youth we serve are so appreciative that they are still able to have the traditional camp experience, including kayaking and canoeing, because of the generosity of the Y’s donors,” said Kimberly Munafo. Great Miami Valley YMCA vice president of Development, Marketing and Communications.
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