What is the Fresh Air Fund?
The Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk Fresh Air Fund provides positive summer camp experiences to children and youth from our communities.
Due to various circumstances including family financial issues, many children and youth in our communities wouldn’t get the chance to attend camp and take part in recreational programs without the support of the Fresh Air Fund. Often, children and youth are referred to the program through community services such as REACH or by parents who call the CAS for assistance.
History of the Fresh Air Fund
At the CAS, we believe that every child deserves the chance to take part in summer camp and recreational experiences, which is why the Fresh Air Fund was started in 1976 by Edna Boyer, a dedicated Social Worker. Edna created fundraising events to help send children to summer camp. Today, funds are also used to assist children and youth with general recreational activities such as swimming lessons, baseball, soccer and hockey leagues.
Community Support
The Fresh Air Fund is supported entirely through community donations. In recent years, between $40,000 and $50,000 has been raised to cover the cost of camp or recreational activities allowing about 250 children in Haldimand and Norfolk to go to camp or recreational activities. Parents are asked to assist with medical exams, transportation and camping supplies.
Registering your Child in the Fresh Air Fund Program
Registration forms for summer camp activities are available at the CAS at the beginning of June. Please contact the Summer Camp Coordinator at 519-587-5437 or 1-888-CAS-KIDS. Just so you know, all registrations are processed on a first come, first serve basis and all registrations must meet eligibility requirements to be approved to get Fresh Air Fund support.
How you can help
The number of families asking for help through the Fresh Air Fund is growing quickly each year. To make sure we have continued success with this program we are in need of community support. You can help by making a donation to the Fresh Air Fund by calling 519-587-5437 or 1-888-CAS-KIDS.
Click here for a Fresh Air Fund Request Form
