The Gleaner

Melissa’s Sunshine Camp silent auction seeks donors

le mercredi 14 février 2018
Modifié à 15 h 42 min le 14 février 2018
Par Mario Pitre

mpitre@gravitemedia.com

Emily Southwood - On April 26th, Melissa’s Sunshine Camp will celebrate their 25-year anniversary of offering activities and respite services to special needs individuals in the Haut Saint Laurent area. In support of their mission, local wildlife artist Ginette Rouleau Boyer (whose work is currently on display at Salle Alfred Langevin) recently donated a work of art for the silent auction organized by Melissa’s Sunshine. The non-profit is currently soliciting sponsors and donors with items to auction before February 18th. With community support, they hope to raise the monies needed to continue funding their impressive organization for many years to come. According to MSC Special Education Technician Sonia Viau, “The mission of Melissa’s Sunshine Camp was to provide activities and respite services for persons with intellectual disabilities, but further it has created a community for those people that might not have had the opportunity to find one. The activities we organize give our clients the chance to experience autonomy—to allow them to experience adulthood. This gives our members a sense of belonging, which is one of our main goals.” Melissa’s Sunshine Camp began at the Shewchuk family farm in Hinchinbrooke. Founder Mary Shewchuk started the charity after adopting her daughter Melissa. Last year, Shewchuk was awarded Volunteer of the Year at Haut-Saint-Laurent’s Volunteer Recognition Gala in recognition of her efforts. As for her thoughts on the non-profit’s upcoming event, she sees the auction, “As a chance for the community to gather and celebrate all those who have contributed to the success of this project over these 25 years.” Open Monday to Friday, the center offers services and activities for clients aged 21 years and over from the Huntingdon Adult Education and Community Centre. The organization currently serves over 60 families in the Chateauguay Valley. Donations in the form of gift certificates, gift baskets or works of art are welcomed. The auction and 25-year celebration party will take place at Huntingdon’s Salle Alfred Langevin from 4:30 – 7pm on Thursday, April 26th. For more information, visit the non-profit’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/campsoleildemelissa or contact Marlene Harvey at 450-264-6340.