A GoFundMe account has been set up to help a camp for developmentally disabled Albertans stay open.
In October, the province eliminated $750,000 in annual funding to Camp L.G. Barnes, operated by Parents and Friends of Michener Society.
“I do understand the government is hurting. Everyone is in a real tough spot right now. There are businesses that have gone under. But we represent adults in Alberta that are vulnerable,” said society president Deb Simmons, on Monday.
The camp, located on Gull Lake, typically sees about 4,000 visitors annually, including overnight campers and those attending day activities. Funding from government paid the salaries of full-time and summer staff, and the money runs out at the end of February.
The goal is to raise $150,000 to keep the camp open during the search for new funding.
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The province previously said with fewer Michener residents attending the camp, it no longer made sense to provide the funding.
Simmons said the camp is important because it serves any adult connected with Persons with Developmental Disabilities, which is a provincial agency.
“We serve all of Alberta. We don’t just serve Michener anymore.”
She said PDD clients have limited budgets and the camp has been an affordable option.
The GoFundMe account Keep Camp L. G. Barnes Open!! was set up Dec. 31 by someone who recently visited the camp and was inspired to help.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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