Ontario Trillium Foundation Supports Upgrades at Shadow Lake Centre
Stouffville, ON (February 4, 2022) – In 2021, Community Living Toronto received a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help Shadow Lake Centre rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. This grant supported renovations, equipment purchases and technological upgrades to help the camp reopen safely and adapt its programming for virtual delivery.
“Shadow Lake Centre is a unique and inclusive facility that provides individuals with special needs the chance to experience the true magic of camp,” says Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville. “This investment will provide them with great opportunities to enhance their programs and create an incredible experience for all their guests.”Following the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, Shadow Lake Centre – an overnight camp for people with special needs – was unable to run its traditional overnight programs. The Centre quickly pivoted to offer virtual programming, but faced technical difficulties due to an insufficient internet connection. As well, in order to resume in-person programming in 2021, the Centre needed significant renovations to ensure the safety of staff and guests.
This investment allowed Shadow Lake Centre to renovate its property and upgrade its technology for the 2021 season. The internet connection was upgraded to facilitate Shadow Lake’s new virtual camp program, which is hosted on-site by camp staff. As well, all buildings were sanded and painted, new automatic hand sanitizer and handwashing stations were placed throughout the 300-acre property, and new interior walls were installed in all cabins so staff and guests could have their own bedrooms.
"In 2020, our guests really missed their annual trip to the lake,” said Muhammed Irshad, Director of Shadow Lake Centre. “In 2021, thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, 218 guests were able to experience the magic of camp again, despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.”
As summer 2022 approaches, the team at Shadow Lake Centre hopes to welcome back its community of staff and guests for a safe, inclusive, and memorable overnight camp experience.
ABOUT SHADOW LAKE CENTRE:
Owned and operated by Community Living Toronto since 1965, Shadow Lake Centre is a place where kids, youth and adults with special needs can experience the magic of camp. In the off-season, community groups can rent the facilities. Learn more at shadowlakecentre.ca.
ABOUT 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. Learn more at otf.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dieter Alvarenga: Event Marketing Coordinator – Community Living Toronto