Camp DEKA by Kamloops Daily News

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CAMP DEKA

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CAMP DEKA

JULY 2013

UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE

here’s a child out there who is going to create memories to last a lifetime, all thanks to the generosity of Underwriter’s Insurance. Underwriters Insurance is a full-line insurance brokerage firm, offering home, automotive and commercial insurance, as well as group life insurance and benefits. The company has been around since 1973, and is locally owned. There are two branches — the Kamloops branch employs 28 people, while the Vancouver branch employs 12.

Ambassador program, both of whom Underwriters has proudly supported. “That program teaches a lot about leadership and character,” he says, and the same is true for Camp Deka.

“Any dollars you invest in kids and in childrelated programs comes back to you. You’ve got an awfully long payback period,” he says. Underwriters Insurance is a proud supporter of Western Canada Theatre Company and

the Kamloops Brain Injury Association. But his company has a special spot for children. “When you’re investing in the children in a community, everybody wins.”

Looking back, Underwriters CEO Kevin McIntyre wishes he had been brave enough to go to summer camp. “I was too scared to go to summer camp,” he says, laughing. “My dad always suggested that I go each year, and I thought it was more of a threat than anything.” As an adult, however, he sees the tremendous value to be gained through summer camp and programs like the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA’s Camp Deka, and the friendship building that happens as a result of participating in these types of programs. “For a lot of kids they’ll create life long memories filled with adventure.” McIntyre has called Kamloops home for the past 20 years and is routinely finding ways to invest back into the community, specifically into organizations that benefit children. “We’ve done a lot through the years. We’ve supported the Miss Kamloops Ambassador program because of the leadership and character building,” he says. In fact, two of Underwriter’s employees have had children in the

Kevin McIntyre, president of Underwriters Insurance Brokers 103, 310 Nicola St, Kamloops, BC • 250.374.2139

www.underwriters.bc.ca

The History of Camp Deka

Camp Deka has been in operation since the early 1960's originally owned by Lorne and May Brown of Vancouver who had a lifelong passion for camping and the outdoors. The Browns operated this camp first as a Boys Camp then as a co-ed camp.

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RED TAG FITNESS

ed Tag Fitness has long been a supporter of health and wellness initiatives in Kamloops, and sending a child to the YMCAYWCA’s Camp Deka is just another example of that commitment. Red Tag is a 5,000 square foot specialty fitness store and has been one of the leaders in the British Columbia fitness industry since the first location opened in Kelowna nearly 20 years ago. The Kamloops location on Notre Dame Drive opened up 11 years ago and has become known as the place to go to find great equipment and knowledgeable staff.

The goal at Red Tag is to assist customers to make fitness part of their lives, helping them to achieve their training results and enjoy long-term satisfaction of any products they choose. Locally, owner Jamie Street is proud to be the provider of fitness equipment to the City of Kamloops, the KamloopsThompson School District, the Kamloops RCMP, the Kamloops Fire Department and most area hotels. Red Tag also supplies fitness equipment to the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA, and has long been a supporter, says Street. “We have a great relationship with the Y, and support the Dream Home as well,” he says.

I believe if you’re going to be a good business in the community you have to give back and support groups like this.

Street was raised in Kamloops, ran the Kelowna Red Tag location for 10 years and moved back to Kamloops six years ago. He’s a husband and father, and his children Emma and Landon are 10 and six years old. Both of his children are regular users of the Y. “Emma did the afterschool care at the Y and she’s doing the summer program again this year,” he says. His family values the Y and the programs it offers, so he jumped at the chance to donate to the Y to ensure another child was able to take part its programming.

Jamie Street, owner of Red Tag Fitness on vacation with his children, Emma and Landon

Helping to send a child to summer camp that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity is a win-win. “I believe if you’re going to be a good business in the community you have to give back and support groups like this. We sponsor different kids sports programs, and I’m a big believer in giving back to the community and charities and anything that involves giving back to kids.”

Did You Know?

749 Notre Dame Dr, Kamloops, BC 250.377.3177

www.rmfitness.com

In the mid 1990's the YMCA of Greater Vancouver became owners of the Camp and operated Camp Deka as one of three Camps in their portfolio and used the camp primarily as an Outreach Wilderness Base Camp.

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JULY 2013

Westkey

ommunity-based ethics is a fancy term for a simple concept — paying it forward and investing in the communities in which a company does business. Westkey Graphics has made investing in the community a priority, says Kim Holowaychuk, vice-president of British Columbia operations. Westkey has six offices — three in B.C. and three in Alberta — and the company is 100 per cent Canadian owned. The goal has always been to serve customers with a onestop solution for printing, marketing and

communication services, and as the company succeeds, it gives back to the communities it calls home. Westkey is a supporter of Western Canada Theatre, the Kamloops Art Gallery and the Food Bank, to name a few, but giving back to children has long been a priority, says Holowaychuk. “We’re one of the largest printers across Western Canada, but one of my

We rarely get an opportunity these days to sit and have those moments without any interruptions. goals is to maintain that community feel. We do our best to give back.” Holowaychuk has two children, a six-year-old son Matias, and a threeyear-old daughter, Sofia. He didn’t need much convincing when asked to send a child to the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA’s Camp Deka. “Two weeks ago I took my family out camping for the first time. It was a wonderful experience and allowing my kids to enjoy that was a great opportunity,” he says. What he enjoyed most was being able to turn off the cellphone and just connect with his family.

“We rarely get an opportunity these days to sit and have those moments without any interruptions.” Being able to send a child to camp who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity benefits the kids, and it just makes a person feel good, Holowaychuk says. “In this day and age we’re always pushing our kids to do more — education is important but it’s also important to enjoy life and meet new friends and build memories. “Let them be kids, let them have some fun … it’s an important foundation.”

225 Seymour St. Kamloops BC 250-374-0443

The Holowaychuk family

The Campers The children that attend camp come primarily from the Kamloops market with some from the Vancouver Lower Mainland region. Children attend for either one week, two weeks or one month.

www.westkeygraphics.com

JULY 2013

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Cactus Collision & Paint Inc.

actus Collision owners Reid and Marianne Daruda made sure their sons Bryce and Nicolas got outside and experienced nature when they were growing up — something they think every child ought to have. Reid, a fully-licenced auto body repair technician and painter, has called Kamloops home since the late 1970s, and Marianne moved here in the 1980s. The couple opened Cactus Collision in 1993, and with their business success they’ve made a point of giving back to the community, especially to children. “While raising our sons we made Sunday our traditional ‘family play day,’ and we’d go snowmobiling, tobogganing, skiing, swimming, camping, hiking, mountain biking, paint balling, dirt biking and now dual sport riding and kayaking,” says Marianne. Through the years, the Daruda’s have been involved with Scouts Canada, and their sons have participated in a variety of programming offered by the Kamloops Y as well as the City of Kamloops Parks and Recreation Department. “Kamloops has so much to offer, it has a great mix for business and pleasure, and no matter what your activity of choice is you can find it within an hour’s drive,” says Marianne. The Daruda’s have enjoyed the first 20 years of business with Cactus Collision and Paint, and look forward to many more. “We’re thrilled to be part of this inaugural program and wish to see every child able to go to summer camp and create special memories that last a lifetime.” For the Daruda’s, supporting the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA was an easy choice to make. “The Y has such a long history of helping young people become good citizens.”

rents Reid Sons Bryce, left, and Nicolas, stand with their pa int Pa d an ion llis Co us ct Ca of t on fr in da ru Da e nn and Maria If your vehicle has been damaged, take it to Catcus Collision and Paint. The company prides itself on its no hassle guarantee. If you’re car is still drivable, they’ll pick it up from your home or work and give you an unmarked courtesy car to use for the duration of the repair. Your vehicle will be stored securely on site and returned to you when it’s complete, with a lifetime guarantee on repair services.

969 A Laval Cres. Kamloops, BC 250.374.9995

www.cactuscollision.com

Where is Camp Deka? Camp Deka is located on the north end of Deka Lake in the Interlakes region of the Cariboo just east of 100 Mile House.

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JULY 2013

RIVERSHORE CHRYSLER

t’s been a few years since Dan Laporte enjoyed summer camp but he still treasures the memories created while there. That’s the reason the General Manager of Rivershore Ram Chrysler Dodge Jeep didn’t hesitate to support the YMCA-YWCA’s Camp Deka program and sponsor a child to go to camp. “I remember getting my swimming certificate and I remember the archery and the crafts. I remember not wanting to go very much, but once I got there I remember never wanting to go home.” Laporte grew up in Ontario and moved to Kamloops five years ago. He is the father of a 19-year-old son and when his son was younger, he made sure he was given the opportunity to enjoy summer camp as well. Spending time outdoors with his wife and son was a huge part of life as a young family, Laporte says. “When my son was younger we had a tent trailer and we’d always go off camping. When he was four or five I taught him how to ride a bike when we were camping.” Getting out in nature and having the summer camp experience is something Laporte feels every child needs. “They gain independence. They’re no longer under their parent’s gaze all the time — they do have a counselor, but they tend to be more of a friend than a parent.” Rivershore makes a habit of giving back to community organizations, and the YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops is certainly a worthy recipient, says Laporte. Rivershore is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the same location with the same owner — Denis Lowe — and Laporte says it’s only right to share some of the dealership’s success with the community.

Rivershore Chrysler staff with owner Denis Lowe, right “We’re a very strong supporter of the community. We’re involved as much as we can be,” he says, listing the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, the Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Strikes for Tykes as just a few organizations and events that Rivershore has supported through the years. “We’re getting more and more involved in supporting charitable organizations. We just love Kamloops.”

2477 East Trans Canada Highway, Kamloops, BC 250.372.5588

www.rivershorechrysler.ca

Did You Know?

The Kamloops YMCA YWCA has a long history of providing residential camping for children of the Kamloops region, first under the name of Camp Chimo in the Shuswap and the past seven years at Camp Deka in the Cariboo. The Camp is co-operated and co-developed by the YMCA of Greater Vancouver and the Kamloops YMCA YWCA.

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CAMP DEKA

KGHM INTERNATIONAL

ining and mineral exploration have contributed to the growth of the Kamloops region for decades. The proposed KGHM International Ajax Project located near and partly within the Kamloops’ city limit, sits on the site of the historic Afton Mine. KGHM International Ajax Project is preparing to submit its Environmental Assessment Application to the Federal and Provincial governments for review and approval. Construction would begin after all approvals are in place and production is projected to begin two years after construction. The project is owned by KGHM International Ajax Project Mining Inc., a joint venture between KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. (80%) and Abacus Mining and Exploration Corporation (20%). KGHM International, a wholly owned subsidiary of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., has been the KGHM International Ajax Project operator for almost a year. KGHM International has a history of safe practices and success at each of their sites which are located in Poland and North and South America. KGHM International operates six mines and is developing three additional project, including KGHM International Ajax Project. Each site adheres to the company’s core values of zero harm, results driven, success through teamwork and courage and does their part to be involved with communities they are near. KGHM International Ajax Project is no exception. KGHM International Ajax Project believes in making a positive difference in the community. One of the ways we do so is through our sponsorships and donations

program and through partnerships with other groups and organizations that share the same goal of contributing in meaningful ways to enrich lives. Most KGHM International Ajax Project staff live in the community of Kamloops and enjoy the same quality of life as other community members, including the vibrant athletics and arts and culture scenes. We believe it is important to be involved in the community through not only monetary donations, but volunteering for events or coaching youth teams to continue community traditions. That is why KGHM International KGHM International Ajax Project is proud to support the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA and the Camp Deka program. We know the value of helping kids across the region attend camps such as this and support the opportunities they receive to learn and grow as individuals by taking part in the activities. KGHM International would like to congratulate all of the kids who will be attending Camp Deka this summer and wish them the best in their future endeavors!

330 Seymour St Kamloops, BC 250.374.5446

www.ajaxmine.ca

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JULY 2013

PLAZA HERITAGE HOTEL

he Plaza Heritage Hotel is in the business of giving people a place to stay, usually under their roof. But this summer Shatha AlReihani—the General Manager of the Plaza—and her staff decided that giving a Kamloops child a chance to stay at summer camp was pretty good option as well. “The reason we do it is … we’re in business, if we make money we’d like to donate to others and if we’re blessed we’d like to bless others,” says Al-Reihani. “We’d like to be known in the community as a place that supports the community.”

Al-Reihani grew up in Kuwait and it was there she developed a love for camping and the outdoors. It was those experiences that drew her to the Camp Deka program - she hopes she can give Kamloops children opportunities and memories they wouldn't otherwise have. “It’s an opportunity for kids to get together, get to know each other and explore things,” Al-Reihani said. “My niece and nephew always went to camps and I fully support that sort of thing.”

It’s an opportunity for kids to get together, get to know each other and explore things. This year the Plaza is celebrating its 85th year of lodging visitors of Kamloops. It is a hotel that has a lot of history in the city, but still looks fresh and modern; a renovation last July updated its looks and amenities. Al-Reihani and the staff at the Plaza used the renovation as another opportunity to bless others in Kamloops, donating most of the furniture and bedding they were no longer using to

organizations that could benefit from them. The Plaza staff also sit down as a group each month and choose a new charity to focus their donations on. To date, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, the Alzheimer Society and the SPCA are just a few of the organizations that have benefited from the Plaza’s generosity. “We back these programs 100 per cent,” Al-Reihani said.

405 Victoria St Kamloops, BC 250.377.8075

www.theplazahotel.ca from left, Fireside Steakhouse and Bar server Claudio Klarich, hotel assistant general manager Ron Johnson , Fireside executive chef Mike Swan and server Sandy Spirito.

Camp Staff Camp is staffed by a group of staff from both the Vancouver YMCA and Kamloops YMCA-YWCA and supported by international students primarily from Australia and New Zealand who are doing intern work during their GAP Year between high school and college. All staff are trained in emergency first aid, lifeguarding and outdoor activity training.

JULY 2013

CAMP DEKA

BA ROBINSON

hy not?

That was Greg McGonigal’s response was when asked if his company would like to send a kid to the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA Camp Deka. McGonigal, branch manager of Kamloops’ B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd., loved the idea from the start. “We’re a Western Canadian-owned company and do support local groups as much as possible. “At the end of the day, it wasn’t a whole lot of money and to make a kids’ life turn around so fast, why not?” McGonigal moved to Kamloops when he was six years old with his brother and two sisters. B.A. Robsinson is a family-oriented company. The local branch employs 10 people, most of whom have children, and there’s always been a family-feel to the place. A wholesaler and fully diversified distributor of plumbing, lighting and electrical products to the construction industry and retail home improvement market, B.A. Robinson has a long history in Canada. The company was established in Winnipeg, Man. in 1936 by Burt A. Robinson, and has been family run ever since. The Kamloops branch opened in 2007 and McGonigal says he likes to support the community. The Y’s Camp Deka really resonated with him, he says. While he was able to attend the McQueen Lake camp as a youngster, he would have loved to go to summer camp. “Camping is so much fun, and it’s the same for adults as it is for kids. For myself, there’s nothing better than

The Staff of BA Robinson sitting around a campfire and having some laughs and I think that whenever you can let kids have fun it’s great.” Supporting the Kamloops YMCAYWCA just “sounded like a good thing to do,” McGonigal said. The home construction business, which B.A. Robinson relies on, has seen some lean years, but the Kamloops community has been incredibly supportive of the business, and McGonigal wants to return the favour. “B.A. Robinson made a great move coming to Kamloops.”

830 Laval Crescent Kamloops, BC 250.372.7738

www.barobinson.ca

I think that whenever you can let kids have fun it’s great.

Did You Know?

Some parents of Kamloops campers were once campers at Camp Chimo and they are sending their children to the Y Camp. The camp had an impact on their lives and the opportunities that camp provide lend themselves to building healthy children.

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JULY 2013

he Kamloops YMCA-YWCA is committed to nurturing the potential of all young people. We believe that every child and youth deserves a chance to take part in the excitement of a camp experience. Having fun is always at the top of our to-do list, as is encouraging campers

“How often do you get to go rock climbing outside? Or canoeing? At Deka you get to experience things you wouldn’t normally get to experience”

to take on new challenges and responsibilities. When kids come home from YMCA Camp Deka, they are brimming with new found confidence and can hardly wait to tell their parents about what they can do now, who their new friends are and what they plan to do at camp next summer.

I love hanging out with all my friends at camp and going on the out trips and singing all the songs.

- Sawyer, 12

- Apryl, 16

“Leadership camp is teaching me how to be a good role model and leader… how to behave around younger kids, and be a positive influence in their lives”

- Kai, 16

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CAMP DEKA

o t d i K A d n e S CAMP DEKA NOMINATION FORM ! 3 YMCA Camp Deka Registration 2013 1 0 2 p m Ca Do you know a child aged eight to 12 who ought to go to a 5 day summer camp? 1 WEEK SESSIONS (JUNIOR)ďż˝ PLEASE SELECT 1-5 July 29-Aug ďż˝July222-July 26 A SESSION Dates are July 22-26ďż˝July and ďż˝July 8-12 ďż˝Julyďż˝ 29-Aug 2 ďż˝ If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a parent, grandparent, or if you just know a great ďż˝July 15-19

MAIL REGISTRATION FORM AND PAYMENT TO: ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝

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YWCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Camp Deka but who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the financial means necessary to get there, fill out this nomination form, along with a short write up about why this child is so deserving, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

be entered to receive a one-week session at Camp Deka.

Fill out this form and bring it in to either the Downtown or North Shore YMCA-YWCA location, or mail it to:

o t d i K A d Sen ! 3 1 0 2 p m Ca

400 Camp Battle St.Deka Registration Phone: 250-372-7725 YMCA 2013 Kamloops, BC V2C 2L7

PLEASE SELECT A SESSION

Fax: 250-372-3023 www.kamloopsy.org

1 WEEK SESSIONS (JUNIOR)ďż˝ ďż˝July 1-5 ďż˝July 22-July 26 ďż˝July 8-12 ďż˝Julyďż˝ 29-Aug 2 ďż˝July 15-19

MAIL REGISTRATION FORM AND PAYMENT TO:

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Deadline is Noon July 16, 2013 ďż˝

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I am sending a kid to camp and am directing the Kamloops Daily News to allocate $350 of my ad buy to sponsor a child. Bill Me Investment

Sponsor

I authorize the Kamloops Daily News to process the above payment to be applied to Kamloops YMCA-YWCA camping programs.

I am sending a kid to camp and am directing the Kamloops Daily News to allocate $350 of my ad buy to sponsor a child. Bill Me Investment

Sponsor

CAMP DEKA

JULY 2013

Smith Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd.

s long as Smith Chevrolet has been in Kamloops it has been giving back and sharing its success with the community. Smith, named after founder Syd Smith, opened up in 1937. The dealership was sold to Albert Muzzillo and Roger Schreiner in 1970, and in 1990 the owners retired and sold the business to their sons Michael Schreiner and Anthony Muzzillo. Today, Smith Chevrolet operates out of a 44,000 square foot building on a five-acre site in the Southgate Industrial Park and boasts a team of 62 dedicated employees. The success of the dealership is a direct result of community support, says owner Anthony Muzzillo, which is why he and business partner Michael Schreiner make a consistent effort to give back to the community. The partners are both married, both have three children and both understand and appreciate the value of investing in kids in Kamloops. “My two youngest — Christopher and Heather — camped at Camp Chimo,” Muzzillo says, mentioning the camp that the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA used to operate at Ruckle Point on Shuswap Lake.

“They went out and spent three or four days out there,” he says, recalling how much his children enjoyed the experience.

Smith Chevrolet sponsors local sports teams, and both Muzzillo and Schreiner are charter members of their local Rotary Club.

When it came time to give back to the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA and send a kid to camp, Muzzillo and Schreiner were on board immediately.

“It’s about being part of this community. There are always things we have that others don’t, and you always want to help out in any way you can,” Muzzillo says.

“I think the kids really grow in their own personalities when they’re out there. For some kids that are really very shy, they’ll come out of their shell and meet other kids and they’re encouraged to have fun and enjoy what camp has to offer.”

“We get our business through our community and the people that live here and we want to support them as they support us. This is just one of the ways we can do that.”

It’s about being part of this community.

Day camps, like the Kamloops Y’s Camp Deka, “build strong kids and build kids with personality. It’s just another growing and learning experience,” Muzzillo says. Smith Chevrolet is actively involved with the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA Dream Home Lottery, and each year provides a car to the organization to award as a prize.

950 Notre Dame Dr. Kamloops, BC 250.372.2551

www.smithgm.com

Smith Chevrolet's Anthony Muzzillo

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CAMP DEKA

Surplus Herby’s

t might be known as the craziest store in town, but there’s nothing crazy about Surplus Herby’s support for the YMCA-YWCA’s Camp Deka. Just take a step inside the store and it’s easy to see that camping is something Surplus Herby’s takes very seriously. Surplus Herby’s has been stationed at its Tranquille Road location for nearly 30 years and in that time has sent plenty of kids — and adults — out into nature, well prepared. The store has always been known for offering hard-to-find and unique items, as well as food, clothing, hunting, fishing and camping gear. As well as the products it offers, Herby’s is almost as well known for giving back to the community. Founder John Cottrell, who passed away in 2009, raised his three children in Kamloops and was known for his generosity and for giving back to the community. The 44-year-old surplus store is still family run, and takes pride in giving back, especially to children. Every year Surplus Herby’s sponsors the Kamloops & District’s Fish and Game Club’s Ice Fishing for Families Day on Wolloper Lake. Hundreds of families turn up for the annual event. The store also happily supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops in Bowl for Kids Sake, formerly Strikes for Tykes. Surplus Herby’s brings its commitment to family inside the store as well, and has created a family-friendly work environment. The Cottrell family is happy to support the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA by sending a child to Camp Deka. Having the experience of summer camp will help build the foundation for self-confidence, self esteem, and it will also assist children in making new skills and having new experiences. It’s hoped that by sending a child to camp they’ll treasure those memories and become campers when they get older, making sure their children get to enjoy the great outdoors right along with them.

Store Manager, Yvonne Cottrell, stands with Becca Rohrke, 7

Having the experience of summer camp will help build the foundation for self-confidence...

Outdoor Education There are hundreds of lakes to paddle and trails to explore in this vast wilderness of breathtaking vistas, beaver dams, eagles nests, fish runs and deer paths.

248 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC 250-376-2714

www.surplusherbys.com

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SUN LIFE FINANCIAL

aking the world you live in a better place — that’s what the team at Sun Life Financial believes in and that’s why they eagerly agreed to sponsor a child to go to the YMCA-YWCA’s Camp Deka. “We help financially challenged families every day, and we get used to helping families. If there’s an opportunity to help a family and help send a kid to camp, I think it’s a great idea,” says advisor Wayne Girodat, who also coaches soccer when he’s not at the office. Girodat, along with Sun Life advisors Colin Noble and Jeffrey Seymour have teamed

up to support the Kamloops YMCAYWCA. At Sun Life Financial, they’re known as problem solvers — finding solutions to life’s financial difficulties. When approached to help the Y, the trio knew that was a problem they could solve. “Camp is fun,” says Noble, who has three children. He didn’t go to camp as a kid, but wished he had had the chance. He’s sent his own children to camp and they had a great time. “It gives them a chance to learn new things and flex their wings and not to rely on their parents, I guess.” Between the three men, they’re used to

If there’s an opportunity to help a family and help send a kid to camp, I think it’s a great idea. helping out and giving back. Noble is on the financial advisory board of the Kamloops Foundation and a past director and past president. He recently finished serving five years with Scouts Canada, and has sponsored two children to attend the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Camp Kakhamela for children with diabetes.

Seymour has two children and is very involved in the autism community. He is currently treasurer for the Chris Rose Foundation, and for the past three years he has coached children’s football in the Kamloops Community Football League. Colin Noble: A Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Financial Planner with 24 years of experience as a retirement income specialist helping people earn maximum after tax income from their investments. Jeff Seymour: Group specialist with 21 years experience in group health and dental plans and buy sell agreements for growing business. He is also a disability income specialist making sure people have dignity and choice when it is most needed. Wayne Girodat: A holistic financial advisor focusing on business owners and upwardly mobile income earners. Wayne also works in the retirement market and specializes in permanent solutions for tax and income options.

Colin Noble 250-314-1410 colin.noble@sunlife.com

Colin Noble, left, Jeffrey Seymour and Wayne Girodat of Sun Life Financial

Jeffrey Seymour 250-434-4112 Jeffrey.seymour@sunlife.com

310 Victoria St W, Kamloops, BC 250.314.1410

Wayne Girodat

www.sunlife.ca

wayne.girodat@sunlife.com

Did You Know?

Camp has changed from a rustic wilderness camp into a more modern camp with activities targeted to main stream families. The infrastructure at camp has never been better and the program quality gets great camper satisfaction scores from the annual camper survey.

250-574-8055

JULY 2013

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BCLC

CLC has called Kamloops home for nearly 30 years. Today, the head office houses 430 employees with most working in finance, administration, information technology, customer support and legal services. These employees have always made a point of giving back to the community they call home, as year after year the donations — and the volunteer hours — keep climbing. The corporation is deeply committed to the community of Kamloops and appreciates its role as a major employer and a community contributor. Last year, Kamloops received more than $3.9 million in Gaming Grants to support 157 local community and charitable groups. A portion of every lottery ticket sold goes to support thousands of vital community groups across the province. Because BCLC is a crown corporation, it’s unable to provide incentives — such as matching donations to encourage participation — but it doesn’t have to because employees are ready and willing to give. Their reward is in making a difference. Within the Kamloops office of BCLC there has been a United Way campaign for nearly 20 years, and employees have generated more than $300,000 in that time. Every year at Christmas, employees rally together to raise funds for charities, including the Kamloops Food Bank, the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter and Christmas Amalgamated. Provincewide, BCLC employs more than 850 people and hundreds of these employees make a point of giving their time to the communities in which they live, be that by participating in a United Way Day of Caring event, or sitting on a board of a local non profit group.

d BCLC employees regularly participate in Unite Way Day of Caring initiatives As a long time corporate citizen in Kamloops, BCLC is proud to support dozens of groups and community organizations, including Music in the Park, the Kamloops Symphony, Western Canada Theatre and the Kamloops Art Gallery. BCLC has also contributed $100,000 to sponsor the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier. This marks the 20th year for Music in the Park, and BCLC is marking the special occasion by hosting a community event on Aug. 1. Enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, free ice cream and prizes. The BCLC Midsummer Music Jam is presented along with CHNL, Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and the City of Kamloops.

BCLC employees give back

Their reward is in making a difference.

74 West Seymour St. Kamloops, BC 250.828.5500

www.bclc.com

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JULY 2013

SPROTT SHAW

prott Shaw College has been an integral part of the Kamloops community for the last decade and has helped many Kamloops residents get the education they need to start their careers. The college values learning in general and it’s those values that attracted them to the Camp Deka program. Sprott Shaw’s donation didn’t come at the behest of just one person; it was instead a group initiative. The team at Sprott Shaw all have different experiences with summer camp — some have kids who have attended — but their overarching reasons for wanting to fund a camp experience are the same. “I think that there’s a lot to benefit from going to a summer camp and being able to build relationships with other children, develop various skills and participate in activities that you wouldn’t normally have the financial means to do,” said Employment Services Specialist Jenn Mei. “If a child can have an experience

301 – 340 Victoria St. Kamloops, BC 250.314.1122

like that I think it’s important for people who can facilitate that to do so.” Sprott Shaw is involved in a number of programs in the Kamloops community and the students in their programs often find ways to give back as well. The college works with other non-profits also, aiming to move the community forward and ensure that both youth and adults have the means to obtain meaningful employment. Just like the YMCA-YWCA they help out where they can, with the goal of making Kamloops a better place to live. “I think the YMCA-YWCA provides awesome support to kids and Sprott Shaw feels the same way,” Mei said. “We’re of the mindset that we want to encourage that sort of support. As an educational facility, Sprott Shaw views summer camp as a tremendous learning opportunity for Kamloops kids, Mei said. Sprott Shaw offers an early childhood education

www.sprottshaw.com

We want to be able to say Sprott Shaw cares and look to support kids in getting opportunities they wouldn’t normally have. program and that, coupled with the college’s educational values, made Camp Deka a perfect program to donate to. “We want to be able to say Sprott Shaw cares and look to support kids

in getting opportunities they wouldn’t normally have,” Mei said. “This is an educational opportunity for young people and we want to be involved in that.”

Jenn Mei, right, Sprott Shaw College Employment Services Specialist, with students, Eric Friesen, Dianna Peters, and Stacey Hedman

Camp Upgrades

Recent upgrades include a new Wash House with flush toilets and hot showers, new sewage system, new water system, upgraded kitchen facilities, repaired sleeping cabins, improved indoor program spaces, heat in all buildings, new climbing wall, enhanced water front dock system, new archery range, new gaga ball courts. Program equipment continues to get annual upgrading in the areas of Waterfront, Archery, Climbing Wall Low Ropes Course.

JULY 2013

CAMP DEKA

BROWNSTONE Restaurant

onnie Decaire and her husband Bill have owned and operated the Brownstone Restaurant for nine years. They moved to Kamloops to start the Brownstone Restaurant, choosing it over a number of other cities in B.C., for it’s demographics and the feel it gave them. “We did a couple full tours of B.C., looking for something different,” Connie said. “We were coming from the North Coast and the economy was not that

It’s really good for kids to get out of their usual social group that they might have in school and meet people that may not have any preconceived notions about them, and vice versa.

great up there. Kamloops was relatively affordable, it was a great size and the people were really friendly. The downtown really drew us to Kamloops specifically, the look and feel of it.” Bill and Connie have been married for 15 years and have two children, Simon, 11, and Oliver, nine, a dog named Lucy and a cat named Wilbert. Just recently they added a Budgie named Jimmy to the family. “Spare time where we’re all together is rare,” Connie said. “But when we do have it we try to make it a family night where we play board games, go bike riding or walk around the neighbourhood. Last summer we did a lot of camping for the first time and we hope to do a lot more of that this year.” The Decaires are members of the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA, Simon and Oliver take swim lessons there and Connie and Bill are able to work out or visit the pool in their time away from the restaurant. Living downtown the YMCA-YWCA has been a great fit for their family.

Connie Decaire, of Brownstone Restaurant with her son Oliver

They were pleased to donate to the Camp Deka program — Connie’s fond memories of visiting camp when she was young spurred her towards helping a local child have similar experiences. “It’s really good for kids to get out of their usual social group that they might have in school and meet people that may not have any preconceived notions about them, and vice versa,” Connie said. “Just to get outside and do something that kids may not always have the opportunity to do otherwise is great.”

118 Victoria St Kamloops, BC 250.8519939

www.brownstone-restaurant.com

Camp Deka Activities Camp Deka is a pristine location on Deka Lake with a combination of sleeping cabins, dining hall, activity buildings and infrastructure buildings. The Camp operates for 6 to 8 weeks July and August. The outdoor activities including Archery, Climbing Wall, Canoeing, Kayaking, Outtrips, Gaga Ball, Swimming and all that the outdoor has to offer, indoor activities include games, arts and crafts, skits, sing songs and the like.

CAMP DEKA

JULY 2013

HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE

yan Kurzac was fortunate enough to experience summer camp when he was a kid, and now he and his family are excited to send another child on his or her own outdoor adventure to Camp Deka. Home Hardware Building Centre owner Rick Kurzac moved his family to Kamloops in 1996 to run what was then Beaver Lumber in Aberdeen. Today, Home Hardware is a thriving business and the Kurzacs are keen to give back to the community they have long called home. Home Hardware Building Centre is 100 per cent family owned and operated. Rick and wife Karen both work at the store with their children Ryan and Sarah. The employees are also like family, with many of them having worked in the store for more than two decades. “We have just under 100 people working here, and very little turnover. There are some 25-year employees here, and we’ve had people start off as warehouse sweepers and now they’re managers for us. We like to grow from within,” says Ryan, who is the contractor sales manager. When it comes to giving back to the community, the Kurzacs take the same family-friendly approach. They’ve been long-time supporters of the B.C. Wildlife Park, and Rick makes at least one and sometimes two trips annually with Developing World Connections, improving life for impoverished children in third world countries. Home Hardware is the presenting sponsor for the Developing World Connections golf tournament each September that raises $50,000 annually for the charity. The store also partners with local radio to present the Neighbours Helping Neighbours awards. People are encouraged to nominate a friend, neighbour or non-profit group, and each month one winner is selected and a small renovation project is completed on their behalf.

Home Hardware is a proud supporter of local minor hockey teams and the Kamloops Storm, and now the Kurzacs are thrilled to support the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA by sending a child to Camp Deka. “I went to summer camp before we moved here and I was pretty nervous, but once you got there you met new people and created life long friends,” says Ryan. “It was one of the best weeks I can remember,” he says. “I just remember getting to hang out with new people and get out on the water. It was a really cool experience.” More than anything, it just feels good to know that they’re sending a child to camp that otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity, he says.

Brother and sister Sarah and Ryan Kurzac with their father Rick, centre, at Home Hardware

“It’s great. They’re getting a chance to create some life-long memories. Kids have friends that they see every day at school, but this makes them more independent. They get a chance to get out and explore and just have fun.”

1325 Josep Way Kamloops, BC 250.377.7234

www.homehardware.ca

Did You Know? Thompson Rivers University Carpentry Program has assisted camp by doing a number of small carpentry projects at camp, building Picnic Tables, Wash Clothes Stands, Archery Hut, Waterfont PFD Hut and some other projects giving students the experience of building things and providing camp with much needed infrastructure.

JULY 2013

CAMP DEKA

NULEAF

vtar Hothi and his wife Simar moved to McClure from Punjab, India more than 20 years ago. Upon their arrival they teamed up with the rest of their family living in the area and bought and tended a farm, which was in the family for more than 20 years. They grew and sold their food at local Farmer’s Markets for more than two decades.

The Hothis no longer live on the farm — they’ve moved into the city of Kamloops now — but even so they’re still trying to bring locally grown food to the residents of Kamloops with their store, NuLeaf. “We just opened this store two years ago in hopes of bringing in local things,” said their son, Herman Hothi. The goal is to bring in and sell as much local stuff as possible — we consider B.C. local.”

The Camp Deka program is not the first time they’ve given back to the community of Kamloops, they’re also food sponsors for the Daily News Boogie and are regular donors to the Kamloops Food Bank and the Boys and Girls Club.

the outdoors in a way that might not have otherwise been possible.

Herman said his family chose to donate to the Camp Deka program in hopes of providing kids with opportunity to meet new people and experience

He added that he was never able to attend camp as a child and was pleased that he was now able to give a local child that opportunity.

“It just seemed like a really neat project that the Daily News was doing with the YMCA,” Herman said.

# 2 – 740 Fortune Drive • 250.376.8618

NuLeaf Produce Market's Her

man Hothi

www.nuleafproducemarket.com

LANSDOWNE VILLAGE

undee REIT and Dundee Management Corporation took over the ownership and management of Lansdowne Village Shopping Centre in spring 2012, and we were pleased to see the emphasis that the people of Kamloops placed on giving back to the community. Giving back to the community is at the foundation of our company culture at Dundee.

Lansdowne Village Shopping Centre and Dundee are proud to partner with the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA and send a kid to camp. For years, the YMCA-YWCA has provided opportunities for children to explore nature, gain independence and make memories that last a lifetime. Not every family has the ability to send their child to camp, and we are privileged to be able to provide this opportunity to them. Summer camps encourage children to explore activities and individual interests,

427 Lansdowne St Kamloops, BC 1-250-374-7634

providing experiences that build selfesteem, confidence, and the courage to step outside their comfort zone.

We are honoured to provide this opportunity to a child and are proud to help kids in this community gain these critical life skills, and we hope that by taking part in this initiative and sending a kid to camp we will have contributed to the development of this city’s future leaders.

Not every family has the ability to send their child to camp, and we are privileged to be able to provide this opportunity to them.

CAMP DEKA

JULY 2013

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