Windsor Rotary Club receives funds to repair beloved Camp Mockingee
News Release
Investment supports the Rotary Club of Windsor, Nova Scotia to renovate and repair Camp Mockingee facilities
April 20, 2017 – Windsor, Nova Scotia – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
All Canadians deserve to live in inclusive and vibrant communities where they can connect with their friends and neighbours year-round. Investment in community infrastructure strengthens community ties, creates opportunities for youth engagement and demonstrates the invaluable contributions of volunteer-led service organizations.
In the summer of 1949 the Windsor Rotary Club transformed 40 acres of land into a camp for children. Today, Camp Mockingee is a year-round camp facility that caters primarily to youth. Frequent users include Halifax Recreation’s Adventure Earth Centre, the scouts, guides, cadets, sporting clubs, exchange student programs, school and church groups. The camp has grown to over 75 acres and offers a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences.
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, today announced an investment of $82,102 for the Rotary Club of Windsor, Nova Scotia on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
With this support, the Rotary Club of Windsor will renovate and repair various Camp Mockingee facilities including the kitchen/dining building and deck, accessible washrooms and showers, walkways and roofs.
Other funding partners include the Government of Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage with a contribution of $15,000 and $40,007 from the Windsor Rotary Club.
This project is being partly funded through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Investments in local public infrastructure improve quality of life, strengthen communities – large and small – across Atlantic Canada and encourage residents to participate in their communities.
Quotes
“Outdoor activities and facilities promoting leadership skills and sustainable stewardship are assets in any community. The Government of Canada recognizes that by investing in community infrastructure, we celebrate our people and build a better future. These renewed facilities will offer youth the opportunity to learn new skills and experience working together cooperatively.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
"The support of the Windsor Rotary Club has made it possible for children of all ages to experience Camp Mockingee for over 65 years. The repairs and maintenance made possible through this project will ensure it continues to provide quality services to youth for years to come. I am proud that our federal government is contributing to the vital infrastructure of this facility that provides such important opportunities for families and creates memories which last a lifetime."
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
"The money is for expansion of the dining facility at the camp and additional washrooms, showers and sick bays. It will provide greater comfort and convenience for more than 2,000 users of the camp over a 190 day span."
- Chuck Porter, Member of Legislative Assembly for Hants West
“Windsor Rotarians are justly proud of Rotary Camp Mockingee which serves as one of the few heated year-round camping facilities for youth in Nova Scotia. Available for use 365 days each year, the Camp provides the opportunity for youth to experience many indoor activities as well as such outdoor sports as swimming, basketball, beach volleyball and soccer. This support from the federal and provincial governments has permitted Windsor Rotarians to carry out a major construction and renovation project. This will greatly enhance the experiences and activities that are such an important component of the lives of the more than 2000 youth and adults who attend the Camp each year.”
- Andrew Sheehy, President, Rotary Club of Windsor
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Lisa Jarrett
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
Phone: 902-424-0281 / 902-717-4199 (cell)
E-mail: Lisa.Jarrett@novascotia.ca
Andy Kirk
Camp Committee Chair
Rotary Club of Windsor
Phone: 902-798-4776 / 902-798-7446 (cell)
E-mail: agmkirk@ns.sympatico.ca