With close to 100 participants, local non-profit’s first car rally was a success despite the snow.
On Sunday, October 18th, local non-profit Melissa’s Sunshine Camp hosted its first annual car rally. With a total of 74 participants, the car rally was the product of over 60 hours of volunteer work on behalf of the employees of the organization, which is geared towards creating programs for those with intellectual difficulties in the Chateauguay Valley. Local Sonia Viau, a specialised educator for MSC and Heidi Niven, the camp’s social animator, took on a large part of the planning. “We just really wanted to help people discover the Haut-Saint-Laurent and discover Melissa’s Sunshine Camp, using a different type of fundraising, while offering fun activities for families,” said Viau of the experience.
The day was a success, raising nearly a thousand dollars for the non-profit. Sponsored by Bâtis ta region, MSC was able to open the Huntingdon Adult Education Community Centre for the day, provide snacks and purchase the necessary material for the rally, making for a fulfilling day for the participants. The car rally introduced both locals and out-of-towners alike to approximately 20 destinations, including local gems like Les Jardins Glenelm, Stevenson’s apple orchard and the Franklin craft market. While the day was spotted with snow, the blustery weather only increased the energy of the participants, many of whom are hoping that the MSC makes the car rally an annual event. While there was no official winner, many participants were the recipients of a number of sponsored gifts, provided by businesses in the area.
Founded in 1993, Melissa’s Sunshine Camp was the brainchild of Mary Shewchuk (named for her daughter Melissa), Sue Irving, Lorrayne O’Connell and Nancy Gunion. Originally run out of the Shewchuk family farm in Hinchinbrooke, the organization has since moved to 24 York Street, located in the Huntingdon Adult Education Community Centre (HAECC). While the program was initially created to create a community for those with intellectual difficulties, it has since expanded to include a Daily Activity Service for clients 21 years and older, offering respite to parents and caregivers.
For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, please call 450-264-6340.
