Friends and family of Pearl MacKenzie and YMCA Camp Elphinstone gathered on Sept. 17 to celebrate the camp's newly named recreation centre, MacKenzie Hall. YMCA Camp Elphinstone welcomes more than 3,000 kids each summer and provides campers with experiences that give them life-long memories and teach them the emotional, social, intellectual and physical skills needed for success in life.
MacKenzie, a former 30-year teacher in Gibsons, knows the kinds of things that kids face growing up.
"They need the chance to be taught how to do new things that they wouldn't normally get the opportunity to do," she said. "That's why I like camp - it guides kids very nicely and gives them the ability to learn and to know what opportunities are there for them."
MacKenzie deeply believes in YMCA Camp Elphinstone and has generously donated $500,000 to ensure more kids can grow up to their full potential.
"I often saw kids in need during my teaching days," she said. "Kids who have never been to camp and would never get the chance to go to camp."
Now, because of her gift, more than 3,000 kids each summer will enjoy outdoor recreational programs at the new facility.
"This is more important now than ever before," says Steve Butz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. "It is reported that today's generation will be the first not to outlive their parents and increasing physical activity is a huge part of solving this urgent problem."
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