Demand for Ooch programs continues to increase as more children are diagnosed with childhood cancers. We are challenged daily to look for creative solutions to stretch resources to deliver on our mission. That is why your support is critical.

Currently only 21 per cent of children with cancer in Ontario access residential oncology camps. And many Ooch programs are running at capacity. We are committed to expanding our reach and our programs further because, as Dr. Jim Whitlock, The Hospital for Sick Children’s Division Head, Haematology/Oncology, says,

“That attitude children develop coming out of Camp is an important part of their therapy and an important part of the healing process and it really helps them fight their cancer better.”

Every child diagnosed with cancer would benefit from the friendship and fun of Camp Ooch. Camp instills courage, confidence and self-reliance in campers by placing them in an environment where they are free to develop and grow.

This newsletter is our thanks to you for your continuing and generous support. None of the stories in here would be possible without you. Thank you.

Issue 2 • •Volume 20 Spring/Summer 2015

Cancer changes a child’s life. So does Camp.

Friends of OochigeasA camp supporting children affected by childhood cancer

The printing of this newsletter was generously donated by RR Donnelley

Camp Oochigeas is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with cancer and kids affected by childhood cancer with unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.

Camp Oochigeas, 464 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5T 2S6t: 416.961.6624 f: 416.961.2267 e: oochigeas@ooch.org

ooch.org | facebook.com/campooch | @campooch

How does the In-Hospital program support families often in crisis?

The In-Hospital Program is a breath of fresh air for families. It allows kids and parents to take their minds off the clinical treatments and allows kids to just focus on being kids.

The In-Hospital Program is really seen as a part of the circle of care that happens at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). We often get requests from nurses or doctors saying that a particular child needs a visit from Ooch. Doctors and nurses are our champion advocates – they recognize and often comment how therapeutic it is for their patients to laugh and have fun.

What inspires you to come to work every day?

First and foremost the kids! I love the wonderful things they say, the inspiring comments they make. I love the excitement of being able to bring the essence of Camp to all parts of the hospital. I love connecting with the parents and hearing their stories on the positive impact Ooch has on their child’s In-Hospital experience. And I love working with the entire family unit! We get to know their parents and siblings very well and help support all of them along their cancer journey.

Individual and Corporate donors fund the resources for this program. What do you want them to know about the reach and impact of their investment?

Because of you we have been able to expand our programs making the cancer journey a little easier for families who are in the hospital for days, weeks and even months. But we know our work isn’t done. We know there are more kids to reach. With more resources we will be able to even further expand our In-Hospital Programs.

Program Interview: Petra, Manager, In-Hospital Camp Programs

Our deepest gratitude to our new and returning 2015 volunteers. Your commitment ensures that more children experience the Magic of Ooch.

Thank you!

Making slime brings smiles to kids during their stay In-Hospital.

Outpatient waiting room fun with Petra.

Dear Camp Ooch,

Edyn loved going to Camp. It was something she looked forward to every summer. Before hearing about Camp Ooch and its unique programs designed for kids with cancer, we were afraid that Edyn’s cancer diagnosis would mean never going to camp again. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Edyn spent two weeks last July surrounded by friends who understood what it meant to journey through cancer. In a letter from Camp, Edyn shared this with us,

“I am a regular kid here, just like everyone else! I’m having lots of fun. It is so great to be with kids that are going through the same things as me. My new friends and the staff really get it and we don’t have to talk about ‘cancer’ all the time. I love Camp!”

Camp Ooch brought Edyn relief from being the sick kid and let her focus on being just a kid. We can’t thank Ooch enough for the incredible care and kindness Edyn received while there. Edyn’s journey with cancer ended this past fall. The memories, moments and photos Edyn brought home from Camp will be cherished forever by our family. Pictures of her laughing, smiling, full of joy – that is how we remember Edyn. This year as we ran down Yonge Street in the Sporting Life 10K in Edyn’s memory, we knew first-hand that our efforts would have a lasting impact.

- Kristyn, Edyn’s Mom

The Sporting Life 10K is More Than Just a “Fun Run”

Team Edyn raised $29,125 to send kids with cancer to Camp.

“The memories, moments and photos Edyn brought home from Camp will be cherished forever by our family.”

Thank you to each individual, family and corporate donor who gave generously to the 2015 Sporting Life 10K.

Your support makes a difference!

Camp Oochigeas has a new fleet of six Volkswagen Passat sedans to help make the road ahead a bit more enjoyable for campers, volunteers and the growing number of programs at healthcare centres across Ontario.

“We are very proud to support such a fantastic organization and look forward to working closely with them,” Maria Stenström, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada

Employees from Volkswagen Canada will also be volunteering their time by lending a hand to help prepare residential camp in Muskoka.

“Every year we are fortunate to have corporate partners donate their time to paint, clean and restore cabins, common buildings and other parts of Camp that are in need of some TLC after a long winter,” says Alex Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, “They also had a team take part in the Camp’s premier annual fundraiser, the Sporting Life 10K.

We are Happy to Announce a Multi-year Partnership with Volkswagen

Once a year, Ooch Muskoka opens our gates to our supporters so they can experience the Magic of Ooch. On Sunday, July 26th, 2015 the opportunity to feel the impact of how far donor dollars reach will be an experience that is life-changing. Hearing kids with cancer sing songs, laugh and bellow cheers of celebration to their peers, makes you forget for a moment the devastating reality of cancer. It is in this moment that you realize the value of Camp Ooch. Giving kids with and affected by cancer what they need most – the chance to be a kid radiates on this day.

Join Us and Experience Your Impact

Ways you can support

June 11 | Charity BBQ at the Queen’s Quay LCBO ooch.org/bbq

July 26 | Camp Ooch Open House RSVP to jrajacic@ooch.org

August 1 | Jump for Oochkids.krg.com/Events

August 2 | Muskoka Rocks Road Race muskokarocks.ca

Ways You Can SupportAugust 14 – 16 | Tour for Kids tourforkids.com

August 29 | Mud Hero Toronto North mudhero.com/en/events/toronto-north

September 13 | Corvettes for Kids corvettesforkids.com

September 13 | Ride for Karen rideforkaren.com

CANCER CHANGES A CHILD’S LIFE. SO DOES CAMP.

Give the gift of CAMP to kids with cancer.

DONATE TODAY

by clicking here.

YOUR GIFT PROVIDES FRIENDSHIP AND FUN TO KIDS WITH AND AFFECTED BY CHILDHOOD CANCER