From left to right: Manager of Sidney and Bridge store Nick Wilson, Debbie Scott, Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator, Marlene Johnston, Family Service Associate, and Manager of Belleville North store Wakeling.(Photo/John Spitters/Quinte News)
Many adults have fond memories of summer camp from their childhood, a time when insect bites and comfy beds didn’t matter as much as learning and having fun with friends in the outdoors 14 hours a day.
Unfortunately, not all families or individuals are able to afford to send children to summer camp and that’s where the Belleville Giant Tiger stores and the local Salvation Army come into play.
Starting this Saturday, and running through Saturday May 5, cashiers at the Belleville North Giant Tiger store and the one at Sidney and Bridge Streets will be asking customers if they’d like to buy a “Help” icon at one dollar each.
All of the money raised from icon sales will go to the Salvation Army which will in turn use the money to send 33 boys and girls to the organization’s summer camps in Jackson’s Point on Lake Simcoe and in Huntsville.
Marlene Johnston, a Family Service Associate, says the number of kids needing support to go to summer camp has been steadily increasing over recent years.
Most of the children will be from families who regularly use the programs and services offered by the Belleville Sally Ann.
Meanwhile, helping worthy organizations is nothing new for the Giant Tiger organization.
Both Belleville locations are involved in several major campaigns a year, and management is happy to “top up” customers’ donations along the way.
