Virtual summer camps for at-risk youth have received a funding boost.
INEOS Styrolution donated $10,000 to St. Clair Child and Youth Services for the new Summer Fun Program, which launched on Monday, July 13.
The online project includes a calendar of planned activities geared toward addressing some stress points identified by families during the pandemic.
Susan Barry (CMHA Lambton Kent), Andria Appeldoorn (CMHA Lambton Kent), Rhonny Doxtator (Director of Operations, CMHA Lambton Kent), Brian Lucas (Site Director, INEOS Styrolution Canada), Margot Korpan (CMHA Lambton Kent).
Executive Director Sue Barnes said COVID-19 forced the cancellation of their usual summer programming.
"Having a local community partner like INEOS Styrolution step up to support our vision to create virtual 'camp-like' experience for kids and their families is fantastic," said Barnes. "We know that having things to look forward to in the summer is important for good mental health."
Barnes said they will be working with local musicians, artists, the YMCA Resource Houses and other community partners.
The virtual summer camp program continues until August 21.
INEOS Styrolution also has donated $7,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent. The money makes it possible for the association to move its mental health programs onto a virtual platform to deliver care effectively online.
-With files from Dave Dentinger