OTF Grant Supports Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club’s Fundraising Efforts
MEDIA RELEASE MARCH 11, 2022
AMHERSTBURG, ON – Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) is proud to have received a $43,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This grant, awarded in 2021, has helped the organization rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by improving their fundraising abilities, refreshing their website and purchasing a Zoom license to enhance marketing and virtual programming.
“I would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for awarding Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club the Resilient Communities Fund grant,” said Essex MPP Taras Natyshak. “This grant will enable Camp Bryerswood to improve on their Youth Camp programs. Bryerswood Youth Camp will continue to provide young people in our community an opportunity to learn many life skills to enhance their daily lives that will stay with them for a lifetime. Sincere thanks goes out to President Kathi Poupard for your continued dedication to the future of Camp Bryerswood.”
The fundraising coaching purchased with this Resilient Communities Fund grant has helped BYCOC raise funds to purchase the Camp Bryerswood property on Texas Road in Amherstburg. Purchase of the former Girl Guides of Canada camp was completed in October 2021. BYCOC’s improved fundraising and marketing capabilities will serve the organization well into the future, as the Club seeks to refurbish and update the camp facilities.
BYCOC will provide outdoor experiences and programs to all youth in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent at the new, rebranded Bryerswood Youth Camp. Youth will have the opportunity to learn outdoor recreation, leadership, environmental stewardship, and life skills on a year-round basis.
“Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club is incredibly grateful to be receiving this funding,” said Kathi Poupard, President of the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club. “We are excited to continue these initiatives that will help us overcome the impacts of COVID-19 so that we may provide outstanding outdoor experiences and programs to the youth of our community.”
About Bryerswood Youth Camp:
Bryerswood Youth Camp is situated on 25 acres in Amherstburg, Ontario, and offers both residential and tent accommodations. The facilities will be available year-round starting Spring 2022. The property has three buildings, five cabins, and several tent sites. Also on the property is a mini golf course, playground, and acreage for cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.
About Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club:
Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club was established as a non-profit organization in Amherstburg, Ontario in 2018 and received its charitable status in October 2019, Charity Number 750233082 RR0001. BYCOC, a member of Optimist Club International, provides outdoor educational experiences and structured programs designed to foster leadership, confidence and life skills and increase self-esteem in the youth of Windsor and Essex County in an effort to address social and environmental issues facing today’s youth. For more information visit http://bryerswood.com/
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation:
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non‐profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non‐profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID‐19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Media Contact:
Kathi Poupard, President
Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club
(519-776-6228)
