Newsletter | Summer 2022
Upcoming Events
August 6, 2022: Camper Days (day camp)
August 7, 2022: Camper Days (day camp)
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We need your support more than ever!
Please consider making a difference today by giving what you can. Your gift allows hundreds of individuals with mental and physical disabilities to attend our free virtual camps and adapted overnight camps.


Message from the Executive Director
Traditionally, this time of year has Camp He Ho Ha bustling with activity as campers from across Alberta return to their summer home-away-from-home. A place where they can make memories, share friendships, enjoy a few days away from their responsibilities at home, take a break from their parents or caregivers, and enjoy independence, and fun at Camp He Ho Ha.

Unfortunately, things are quieter than we would like with our summer camp programs, but we embrace the opportunity to look forward and get excited about things to come.

Knowing how much our camper community misses our facility and programs we are excited to be hosting “camper days” on August 6th and 7th. A chance for campers to enjoy Chef Adam's tasty cooking, indoor pool time, a barge ride on Lake Isle, a zip down their favourite line, and lakeside mini golf. Camper days are an opportunity for campers with disabilities and their caregiver to spend their day with us, and to look forward to summer 2023!

Our rental program has been operational this year, and we are grateful for the groups that have been accessing our facilities and enjoying all that Camp Health, Hope & Happiness on Lake Isle has to offer this time of year. The revenues generated from this cornerstone program make it possible to maintain day-to-day operations throughout the calendar year. Thank you to the community groups that choose our facility for their retreat destination of choice.

With the cost of living rising, and so many operational costs being affected, our fundraising activities have become more important than ever. I would like to thank all the participants, volunteers and donors for making this year's Shoot For Cause, which was held in early May, a great success. This group of archers and their donor community never cease to amaze me, and I am so very grateful for their support! The 2022 Swing FORE Camp is scheduled for Friday, August 12th and we are looking forward to a fun day of golfing in support of Albertans with special needs. If you would like to get involved in some way, please visit the event information on our website and reach out should you have any questions. Together, let us make this event one to remember!

Many thanks to each of you for being an integral part of making dreams come true for Albertans with special needs.

Embrace the early sunrises, enjoy the late sunsets, and have FUN this summer!

With Gratitude,
Greg Nielsen
Executive Director
Camp Health, Hope & Happiness
Camper Days
Our camper's long-awaited return to camp is finally here! Camp He Ho Ha is offering two dates for 'a day at camp' on August 6, 2022 and August 7, 2022. Campers can come back to camp and experience as many camp activities as we can fit into one day.

Who: 40 Campers (attending with 1 caregiver per camper). Open to all ages and types of disability.
What: A day of activities at Camp
Where: Camp He Ho Ha
When: Saturday, Aug 6th, 2022, or Sunday, Aug 7, 2022
How much: FREE
August 6th, 2022
10am-5pm
&
August 7th, 2022
10am-5pm
Limited space is available!
We wish we had enough space for everyone, but unfortunately, our space is limited.
Register early to secure your spot!
Do you Swing?
Date: Friday, August 12, 2022
Time: 12:00pm (Noon) Registration
Location: Pineridge Golf Resort
Register: Join the campaign and collect $500 in pledges.

Join us for the annual Swing FORE Camp Charity Golf Tournament & Fundraiser on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Pineridge Golf Resort.

The tournament includes a round of golf with a power cart, BBQ lunch, buffet dinner, on-the-course games and activities, a live/silent auction, prizes, and more!

Participants can enjoy complimentary accommodations and RV Camping at Camp He Ho Ha. Stay Thursday & Friday nights with included morning breakfast, safe transportation to and from Pineridge Golf resort (Friday), and an AFTER-PARTY (Friday) with late-night snacks!

Don't miss out!

Join the campaign and get started today! Collect donations to raise money for kids and adults with special needs as you have fun on the links.
NOW BOOKING
Our facility rentals program is BACK and BOOKING groups this Summer, Fall, and into 2023.

Book your next conference, meeting, retreat, getaway, workshop, wedding, family reunion, or other gathering at our fully modern, wheelchair-accessible facility. Enjoy our heated buildings, spacious accommodation, comfortable meeting rooms, home-cooked meals, and our wide range of recreational opportunities.

We can help you plan a stay designed to meet all aspects of your group’s needs!
Did you Know?
Income from Camp's Facility Rentals Program significantly offsets operating costs. Furthermore, a portion of the revenues generated from this program assist in funding summer programs for individuals with special needs at Camp He Ho Ha.
Inter Pipeline Sponsors 2022 Virtual Camps
Thank you Inter Pipeline for your generous support of $5,000 towards our virtual camps programs for individuals with special needs. Your support allows individuals with disabilities, many of whom live very isolated lives, to connect with friends, learn new skills, and participate in fun activities.

Thank you Inter Pipeline for sponsoring the 2022 virtual camp programs!
St. Albert Quilter's Guild Comes to Camp and Gives Back
St. Albert Quilter's Guild retreat members at their retreat in Spring 2022.
On April 28 - May 1, 2022, St. Albert Quilter's Guild enjoyed a fun and relaxing retreat at Camp He Ho Ha. As long-time rental guests, they were familiar with the quality accommodations, food, and service Camp is known for. They are also familiar with the purpose of Camp and the joy our summer camps bring to hundreds of campers with disabilities. This group of talented sewists wanted to give back so they collected donations and raised money for Camp. Their efforts resulted in a $5,340 contribution!

We are blown away by the generosity of the members of St. Albert Quilter's Guild! Thank you for this incredible contribution to Camp He Ho Ha!
Children's Ability Fund presenting a cheque for $250,000 to Camp He Ho Ha Executive Director Greg Nielsen (Summer 2019)
Children's Ability Funds a
10-Year Commitment
The Children’s Ability Fund is one of the Camp's original supporters. Since 1960, This generous organization has supported Camp He Ho Ha in creating accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for children with disabilities.

In 2019, the Children’s Ability Fund made an extremely generous commitment to Camp of $250,000. Every year for ten years, $25,000 will be used to support Camp He Ho Ha and in particular, programs for children and teens with physical disabilities. 
 
Thank you Children’s Ability Fund for designating this generous gift to Camp and sustaining this legacy of support for children with special needs.
TELUS Edmonton Community Board supports Overnight Camps
Thank you TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for your support of Camp He Ho Ha. Your $20,000 contribution to support adapted overnight summer camp programs for children and youth is so generous and appreciated!

Our in-person summer camp programs provide individuals with disabilities a chance to experience the life-changing magic of summer camp. A place where they can experience success, autonomy, creative expression, companionship, and risk-taking in an active and supportive recreational setting. 

Thank you TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for your support of our summer camp programs!
Camrose Royal Purple Lodge #49 presenting Camp He Ho Ha with a cheque in June 2022.
Thank you Camrose Service Groups & Camrose Royal Purple
In April and May, the Camrose Service Groups hosted the 'Chase the Ace Raffle" with proceeds benefiting Camp He Ho Ha. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and thanks again Camrose Service Clubs Group for supporting Camp.

Camrose Service Clubs Group includes:
  • Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #70
  • Camrose Royal Purple Lodge #49
  • Camrose Swans & Roses Lions Club
  • Kinette Club of Camrose
  • Kinsmen Club of Camrose
  • Rotary Club of Camrose
  • Rotary Club of Camrose Daybreak

Thank you Camrose Service Clubs Group for your support of Camp He Ho Ha!
Union 52 Benevolent Society Makes a Final Gift
Since 1985, Union 52 Benevolent Society has donated more than $95,000 in support of Camp He Ho Ha projects and programs. The generosity and encouragement of their membership and leadership are inspirational.

We have received regular and dedicated support from Union 52 benevolent society for years. However, with the passage of provincial Bill 32 and changes to Union funding legislation, Union 52 will no longer be able to provide charitable organizations such as ours with funding. Because changes were coming, this philanthropic group asked Camp to apply one last time for a final donation. The final gift from Union 52 Benevolent Society provides funds to perform upgrades to essential components of Camp's on-site water treatment plant.

Thank you Union 52 for your kind and thoughtful donation, and long-standing dedication to Camp He Ho Ha.
Shoot For Cause Raises $63,000
After a 2-year pause due to health concerns and restrictions, a dedicated crowd of archers came back to #ShootForCause. Participants enjoyed good weather, home-style food, and 3 days of 3D competitive archery.

A big Camp He Ho Ha thank you to everyone who participated and donated, it means so much! Because of your support, this event passed our goal and raised $63,000 to support inclusive adapted summer camps for children and adults with disabilities.

We look forward to welcoming you all back next year!

A special thank you to our top 5 fundraisers: Greg Reynolds, Brian Tuplin, Brett Cooper, Nathan Carr, and the Russell Family. Thank you for going above and beyond to help kids and adults with disabilities come to camp.
Essential Septic Upgrades
Thanks to the generosity of several donors Camp He Ho Ha is able to make essential upgrades and replace old instruments and hardware in the on-site water treatment /septic plant.

Nothing at happens at Camp without water. The on-site water treatment plant is used to safely treat and process water before and after drinking, cooking, laundry, bathing/showering, toileting, and in the pool. Ensuring Camp’s water plant is operating effectively and sustainably is critical to all our operations and keeps all our campers and visitors safe. 

Thank you to the following donors for their support of this project!
-Edmonton Community Foundation
-St. Andrew's United Church Thrift Shop
-Union 52 Benevolent Society
-Royal Alexandra Hospital Employees Charitable Donations Fund
Royal Alexandra Hospital Employees Charitable Donations Fund Gives to Camp
As a long-time supporter of nursing opportunities across Alberta, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Employees Charitable Donations Fund (ECDF) contributed funds to help hire and employ two nurses.

After the cancellation of summer camp programs for the 2022 season, ECDF was generous enough to reallocate funds to another area of great need. The donation will be used to support the completion of the water treatment /septic plant upgrades.

Thank you Royal Alexandra Hospital Employees Charitable Donations Fund for your generous contribution of $2,000 to Camp Health, Hope & Happiness.
2021 Camp He Ho Ha Annual Report
The 2021 Annual Report is now available. This report provides a comprehensive snapshot of Camp He Ho Ha's accomplishments, challenges, highlights, financials, and performance last year.

Read our 2021 Annual Report to get all the details.
Virtual Camps Continue
We are continuing virtual camp programs. Programs are hosted in the evenings and include arts & crafts, skit night performances, counsellor punishments, a relaxed chill & chat, games, dance parties, and more.

Virtual Camps are provided free of charge to make a real difference. The regular social activities help participants feel more connected, and for many, they are the highlight of their week.

We hope to see you (or your camper) at our next virtual camp!
Join our Camper Email Club!
Do you want to get all the big announcements for summer camp programs?
Do you want to be invited to the next virtual camps?

When you join the camper email club you'll get invites to all our virtual summer camps, and hear about big announcements, special events, upcoming camps, and more.
Sign up below for all the updates on Camp He Ho Ha summer camp and summer camp programs.
Thank you Donors
For our campers, your gift of support makes a difference in ways you and I could never imagine.

Your support helps hundreds of children and adults with disabilities feel inclusion and unconditional love.

Campers look forward to Camp He Ho Ha and coming back to a place where they are loved, and respected, and their disability 'melts away.' Your generous donation is the light in their darkness.

Thank you, donors! Words aren't enough to express our gratitude. We are so very appreciative of your generosity.