The Gino Marcus Summer Day Camp was buzzing with excitement and energy as campers, counsellors, parents and GoodLife Fitness Associates came together to celebrate something special – the grant that helps make impactful programs like this possible.
The recognition event, hosted by Family Respite Windsor-Essex, not only celebrated the grant received for the Gino Marcus Summer Day Camp program from GoodLife Kids Foundation, but showcased the impact of the program on children with special needs and their families.
Dayle Parungao, Assistant General Manager at GoodLife Fitness Windsor Manning, and other event attendees were able to experience a typical day at camp and were thrilled to see the inclusivity made possible by the support of donors and the GoodLife Kids Foundation.
Dayle said, “Being able to see where donations go and how much of a difference they make, it felt amazing to see something so special.”
Grinning from ear-to-ear as he accepted the cheque on behalf of the camp was proud camper Aidan, a fun-loving, affectionate, and funny 12 year old with a developmental disability. Aidan loves all sports – particularly martial arts, basketball, bike riding, and hockey – but often needs 1-to-1 support to master new fundamental movement skills.
The Gino Marcus Summer Day Camp program reduces barriers for children with special needs and allows them to gain confidence and learn vital skills that they are able to translate into activities outside of camp, all while building new friendships in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.
Thanks to your support and participation in events like GoodLife’s Spin4Kids, more programs like the Gino Marcus Summer Day Camp are able to offer inclusive, accessible programming and provide important support so kids like Aidan can discover their strengths and reach their full potential.