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Autistic boy gets a chance to attend camp
At eight years old, the South Barrie resident will finally get his chance to attend day camp this summer, thanks to a $1,000 donation from the Order of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge in Stroud. Money is tight in the McLeod residence. Connor is autistic, meaning any extra money goes towards treating the disability. Even a basic right of childhood, like attending camp, can be a struggle. Connor requires a special councillor through the nonprofit organization Reach for the Rainbow, to watch him during each day of the two week day camp. "This is a fantastic opportunity," said Connor's mother Brenda, eyes watering after accepting a cheque from the lodge last week. "Going to camp is going to make a big difference in his life; he'll be able to mingle and interact with other kids." Rainbow was established in 1983 and provides recreational, respite and outreach programs for children and young adults living with developmental and physical disabilities. Last year, the organization provided services to 909 children, young adults and families across Ontario. "(The program) enables children with disabilities to attend camp," said Brenda. "Connor needs support. This is for the councillor to work with him. Every kid should go to camp." Over the last year, the lodge has donated about $2,600 to Connor, said District 9 deputy grand matron Janie Nimmo. "Each year we have a committee that gets together to decide what donations we'll give for the year," she said. "We were looking at something local, (this) is a local project. We decided this is a project that could be ongoing." The donations correspond with a larger Order pledge to support Rainbow, said Nimmo. "Rainbow is geared to integrating children with disabilities into camp. They need one-on-one council. The additional cost of a councillor is expensive," she said. |
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