It All Started at Summer Camp…
When Amir* first came to Canada, he was lost. He didn’t have any friends and his family didn’t have the financial resources to register him in community programming. They were having a difficult time adjusting to life in their new home, and his parents found it hard to keep up with the busy schedules of six young boys.
That’s when they discovered Closer to Home’s summer camp program.
Children work on a craft project during Summer in the City 2015.
“I’d never been to summer camp before,” Amir says today, “so I had no idea what to expect.”
Amir made fast friends with other kids who lived nearby, and every day they found themselves in a new adventure – visiting the Calgary Zoo for the first time, learning about astronomy at the science centre, and tiring themselves out during a game of field hockey.
Every day he walked to summer camp, becoming so engaged with Closer to Home and his community that he started getting involved in other programs, like the Home Alone and Babysitting Safety courses.
He came to camp for years before he began volunteering as a Camp Leader. It didn’t take long before Amir was honoured with a Youth of Distinction nomination for his outstanding volunteer contributions.
Summer camp helped him and his family learn how to fit in in their new community, and today Amir’s family is known as leaders in their community, inspiring their neighbours and peers.
Amir graduated early from his high school, going on to major in engineering at the University of Calgary. He proved to himself and all the kids in his community that, despite the challenges they face, success is possible.
Without programs like Summer in the City, children like Amir may not be given the opportunities they need to succeed. Donate today to give a child hope.
Make your donation go even further!
Closer to Home has partnered with Birdies for Kids to help your dollars reach higher. Donate today and your gift will be matched at 50% – for every dollar donated, Closer to Home will receive $1.50!
* Name changed to protect privacy
