Friends of OochigeasIssue 2 • •Volume 15 Winter 2012

A camp supporting children affected by childhood cancer

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

Biggest summer ever at Residential Camp in Muskoka

New family focus at Ooch Downtown

More Ooch experiences at SickKids and other centres

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

Program News: Ooch Welcomes Siblings to Ooch DowntownWhat a summer… and what a year! As we look forward to the amazing Camp and In-Hospital programs planned for 2013, we wanted to take a minute to thank you – our donors, fundraisers, partners and volunteers – for making camp possible.

This year we had new programs ranging from a family Bluegrass Brunch at Ooch Downtown to geocaching in Muskoka. The In-Hospital Program is connecting with more kids than ever before, including more visits to regional hospital centres outside of Toronto. Thanks to the dedication and creativity of our staff and our close relationship with SickKids, we are also able to offer more complex care at camp, including our first child with a tracheotomy.

Perhaps our biggest news is our expanded programming for

with cancer. It’s an integral part of the social cure for cancer and fits with our vision to provide more Ooch, more often to the kids who need it most.

So thank you for your generosity in supporting Ooch. We’re thrilled with what we’ve accomplished in 2012, and with your help, we’re excited to take it to the next level in 2013.

Sincerely,

Sarah and Jonathan Program Directors

siblings. Since opening in 2010, Ooch Downtown has been a hit. It’s the only urban recreation facility of its kind in North America and allows children with cancer to connect with their peers and just have fun. During 2012, we expanded some after school and weekend programs to include siblings and the feedback has been incredible. Parents love the fact that all of their kids now know the Ooch songs and traditions and can share in the camp experience. Plus, while kids are bonding, parents get some much-needed time to re-charge.

Childhood cancer is a traumatic experience for the whole family and the social rehabilitation that happens through camp programs is just as valuable to camper families, including siblings. In 2013, we are excited to offer even more In-City Programming to siblings of children

Your support made a difference in 2012!

a record number of campers this summer

144% more In-City Program participants vs. 2011

monthly In-Hospital campers in programs

expansion of regional In-Hospital

Programs vs. 2011

new campers 128

417200%

More Ooch, more Often, in more Places

180

Celebrating 30 Years of Ooch Message from the Executive Director

In 1983, a handful of people started a small camp with a big dream: to give children with cancer the chance to experience the magic of camp. We’ve come a long way since the first Ooch program, when eight campers spent a weekend camping in Geneva Park with doctors and volunteers.

This summer, a record 417 campers experienced the magic of Ooch, and with the help of the In-Hospital Program and Ooch Downtown, we are now able to connect with siblings and families of children with cancer.

In 2013, Camp Oochigeas is marking its 30th year serving Ontario children and families living with cancer. From special volunteer parties to community organized events, we are celebrating the courage of our campers and the outstanding dedication of our donors, volunteers and staff who have created ground-breaking and life-changing experiences for families affected by childhood cancer. I am proud to announce Founding Camp Director, Hugh Rennie, as the Honorary Chair for our 30th Anniversary.

We will kick-off our 30th year with extra-special people and programming at our annual Thank You Party at Ooch Downtown on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Please save the date. You will be receiving a formal invite soon.

Finally, I extend warm best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year!

My best regards,

Alex Robertson Executive Director

Members of our founding team, Doug Biggar, Pat Davidson and Hugh Rennie

Dear Ooch,

I had the privilege of spending half the week with the day camp gang as a nurse, and boy was it a blast. The entire program was amazing, and after a tough beginning to the week, I feel refreshed as a nurse.

Here is a story that speaks to the wonders of Ooch.

Today one of our little guys on treatment got a fever. When children on active treatment get a fever they have to drop everything and go straight to SickKids to have their port accessed, be seen by a pediatric oncologist, and often get admitted to 8A for IV antibiotics.

When I told our little camper that his grandparents were coming to take him to SickKids, and that he would have to see the doctor to get his port accessed, I expected tears. Instead, he looked and me and said, “Well then if I’m going to the hospital, I guess I’ll get to see Ken [Ooch In-Hospital Program Specialist]...yes!”

Thank you for bringing the magic of Ooch to the Hospital for Sick Children seven days a week!

Andrea Volunteer nurse at Camp Ooch

Kind Words from Our Community

Dear Ooch,

Just a note to thank all of you, yet again, for bringing so much joy into Rachel’s life.

At 10 years old, Rachel despises doctors, needles, hospital pyjamas, holding still for MRIs, and enduring the indignities that go along with having a prosthetic eye (including bullying). It’s the awesomeness of Camp Oochigeas that convinces Rachel that it’s all worthwhile.

Over the past month or so, she has had so many tests and has spent so much time visiting SickKids and Princess Margaret hospital (where her prosthesis is fitted) that she would have every right to be depressed. But thanks to all the year-round events held by Camp Ooch, and the anticipation of going to summer camp, Rachel is very happy and strong, and continues to feel lucky.

Thank you!

Dana and JonathanCamper Parents

Thanks to the generosity and support of volunteers, staff, donors and sponsors, the 2012 Evening of Summer Dreams was a big success. The event generated funds to cover the cost of six months of programming at Ooch Downtown – providing over 500 experiences to camper families, and introducing the magic of Ooch to over 50 families brand new to our community. As we begin to look forward to the next Evening of Summer Dreams event in 2014, we wanted to take a moment to share the smiles and laughter made possible by all those who champion the Ooch cause. Thank you for bringing the magic of Ooch to the heart of Toronto.

2013 Sporting Life 10KJoin us on May 12, 2013 for the biggest run in Toronto. The annual Sporting Life 10K is an important source of funding for Camp Ooch and we owe a lot to the runners, volunteers, fundraisers and donors who make this event a success. If you’re interested in taking your participation to the next level, visit ooch.org/sportinglife10k or email lknox@ooch.org. We’re here to help you make 2013 your personal best.

An Evening of Summer Dreams in Action

Presenting Sponsor: Magic Sponsor:

Wish Sponsors:

Dream Sponsors: Print – Data, Laser & Lettershop Sponsors:

Production and Studio: Creative:Media Sponsor:

Music Sponsor: Envelope Sponsor:Paper Sponsor:Wine Sponsor:

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Emi-Lee Commisso

Giving through the United Way

Day Camp at Camp Robin Hood

For children living with cancer in the GTA, a summer camp

experience is close to home. Since 2007, Camp Ooch has been offering a day camp for kids ages 4 to 7. With activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and rock climbing, day camp is an ideal introduction to camp for children that are too young for the residential program in Muskoka. Our Day Camp program started in 2007 as a one week session at Humber College in a rented space. It has expanded every year and is now a four week program hosted by one of Canada’s best day camps, Camp Robin Hood, located

in Markham, Ontario. Camp Robin Hood first hosted Ooch Day Camp in 2009 and has been a committed partner ever since. They include an incredible door-to-door bus transportation system and the support of the energetic

and dedicated program staff at Camp Robin Hood.

When asked about their partnership with Ooch, Howard Grossinger, owner of Camp Robin

Hood, said, “We are thrilled to provide our facility and resources to the wonderful campers and volunteers of Ooch Day Camp. The inclusion of the Ooch Day Camp into our program is a partnership we are very proud of and truly

enhances the spirit and feeling of community at Camp Robin Hood.” Ooch’s Day Camp program at Camp Robin Hood is another way we’re bringing friendship and fun to the kids who need it most. We owe a huge thank you to the donors, volunteers, and especially our friends at Camp Robin Hood for making this program possible!

Emi-Lee Commisso is an exceptional young teen who is happiest when helping others. Entering The York School for grade 2, Emi-Lee became attached to Camp Oochigeas. Now in Grade 9, Emi-Lee has raised $63,000 for the camp. For this achievement, she will be honoured with the 2012 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Toronto Chapter. “Emi-Lee’s commitment to community service is rare”, notes Director of School Life,

Sean Mitchell. “She has consistently been our top fundraiser spreading the word about how donations can impact the lives of children.” Emi-Lee’s outstanding achievements are a powerful inspiration to other young Canadians, looking to make a positive difference in their communities.

This year Ooch alumni and donors directed a record number of United Way gifts to send kids to camp. Thank you so much for thinking of us this fall! To learn more, contact Holly at hbannerman@ooch.org.

The printing of this newsletter was generously donated by RR Donnelley

Where Are They Now?

News and AnnouncementsUpdate your Ooch ProfileHave you moved or changed your email address? Let us know and we’ll make sure you are up to date with all things Ooch. Drop us a line at oochigeas@ooch.org or give us a call at (416) 961-6624.

Follow Ooch OnlineCheck us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We’re posting pictures and updates nearly every day to keep you in the loop. If you are a graduated camper, volunteer or Med Shed alumni, search for the Camp Ooch Alumni group on Facebook.

OochWearGet the latest in Ooch gear. It’s available online and at Ooch Downtown. Wear your heart on your sleeve. Check it out at ooch.org/oochwear.

Get Involved with Your SchoolKids helping kids – learn more about how you can help set up an Ooch fundraising team at your school for the Sporting Life 10K or the event of your choice. Email oochigeas@ooch.org or visitooch.org/schoolfundraising.

facebook.com/campooch | @campooch | linkedin.com/company/camp-oochigeas

The DeSouza FamilyThe DeSouza family have been champions of Ooch and have helped build the Teomul community (camp sessions for bereaved siblings) after losing Brendan in 2002 at the age of 12. Twin sisters Sam and Jess DeSouza have been enthusiastic participants in all Ooch programs, including many leadership opportunities like the 10-day French River canoe trip, Up-Stream, and Habitat for Humanity in the city. This summer Sam joined the volunteer team as a Junior Girls counsellor and Adventure Instructor. The DeSousa family helped make the Teomul community what it is today by being so welcoming, positive, caring and LOVING Ooch!

Megan EwingWhile not crafting or pickling, Megan can be found in her classroom at Rosedale Day School (RDS), teaching her Grade 3’s about Captain Comma, how to write a letter, and about their community and how to give back. Megan has been an Ooch volunteer since 2008, and worked as an All Summer Staff for one year. At her initiative, RDS fundraises for Ooch through the annual Sporting Life 10K, and new this year she is helping to spearhead the Charitable Actions at RDS Enacted (CARE) program, whereby each classroom will incorporate Ooch into their technology curriculum. Tom HeintzmanFormer long-time volunteer counsellor Tom Heintzman is now one of Canada’s leading green energy executives. Tom co-founded Bullfrog Power in 2004 and was named in 2008 as “Leader of the Year” by the Ontario Energy Association. From 1996 to 1998, Tom was instrumental in establishing Ecojustice Canada’s (formerly Sierra Legal Defence Fund) Ontario office, where he led several precedent-setting environmental litigation, public advocacy and lobbying campaigns.

Brian PriceFormer camper and current Ooch champion, Brian Price, won an Olympic silver medal in rowing this summer with the Men’s Eight. In addition to his recent silver medal, he has a long list of accolades including an Olympic gold from 2008 and three World Championships. We played the race this summer for all of our campers in Muskoka and to say they were inspired is an understatement – the cheers rocked the dining hall! Diagnosed with Leukemia at age 7, Brian’s treatment and chemotherapy resulted in him never reaching his full growth potential. Although the battle to beat cancer was extremely difficult it allowed him to become one of the best coxswains in the world. Brian credits Camp Ooch as, “one of the most inspirational places of my childhood.” Way to go Brian – WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

Give the Gift of Camp this Holiday Season

$3,500 - 2 weeks

$1,750 - 1 week

$250 - 1 day

$125 - 1/2 day

Send a child to camp or make a symbolic program donation:

$100 General supplies including Band-Aids,

gloves & syringes to keep on hand in the Med Shed.

When you make a donation, you have the option to send an acknowledgment card or an eCard to someone letting them know you’ve made a gift on their behalf. Visit ooch.org/givethegiftofcamp to donate online.

Salutation: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Other ___________________________________________________

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________ Province: _____________________ Postal Code: __________________

Phone Number: (_____)_________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Visa/MC/Amex #:____________________________________________________ Expiry Date: ____________

Name of Card Holder: _______________________________________________________________________

Please make cheques payable to:

Camp Oochigeas464 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M5T 2S6

T: 416.961.6624 F: 416.961.2267 www.ooch.org

Charitable Business # 13111 6022 RR0001

Enclosed is my donation: This gift is in honour of (optional):

Name: _________________________________

Address:________________________________

_______________________________________

City: ___________________________________

Province: ________ Postal Code:____________

W12Note: all donations made through the symbolic giving program contribute to the operating fund rather than to a specific item. Your donation will be used where it is needed most, to help send kids to camp.

$3,500

$1,750

$250

*Tax receipts will be provided for donations over $25$125

$100

$50

$25

$_________ Other

$_________ A monthly gift to be charged to my credit card

$50 A new supply of archery arrows for summer camp.

$25 Shrink art supplies for an afternoon program.

Yes, I want

to help!