TORONTO, April 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Toronto City Mission (TCM) is inviting you to help them raise a minimum of 1,000,000 pennies by June 30, 2012 to send inner-city children to day camp this summer.
By fall of 2012 the Canadian Government will no longer be producing pennies. It costs our government 1.6 cents to make a single penny.
"The penny is a currency without any currency," said Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. "Free your pennies from their prisons at home and donate them to charity." (Global News | How the end of the penny will affect coin donation-fuelled charities)
If you are looking for a way to free your pennies, consider donating them to TCM to send kids to camp.
Your pennies can send kids to camp this summer.
Every penny TCM receives between April 5, 2012 and June 30, 2012 will go directly towards the costs of providing summer camp in five Toronto communities impacted by poverty: St. James Town, Malvern, Willowtree, Jane-Finch and Steeles-L'Amoreaux.
TCM day camps are a safe and fun place for children to spend their summer. Children are given opportunities to participate in activities such as crafts, sports, music, drama, Bible-based stories and weekly field trips. The camp keeps children off the streets and away from antisocial behaviour while parents are working. We expect more than 200 children to attend each week for seven weeks.
One of last year's summer staff said, "I think my favorite highlight is seeing the children having fun and just being kids." This is quite a powerful statement for children who grow up in inner city communities and are forced to face many of life's harsh realities. TCM day camp may be their only opportunity to "just be a kid".
Pennies for a purpose
Almost every household has a penny jar sitting untouched in a corner. Here's a great opportunity to empty that jar and at the same time contribute to a great cause!
"It only takes 3,000 pennies to send a child to day camp for a day. Imagine the impact that 1,000,000 pennies could have!" Andrew Schell, TCM's Executive Director.
How can you help? You can collect as an individual, a small group, a church or business or even become a drop location. To drop off your pennies call Toronto City Mission at 416-922-6223 or visit their main office at 2610 Birchmount Road. Visit their website for more information: www.torontocitymission.com.
Toronto City Mission
Andrew Schell (Executive Director)
416-922-6223
[email protected]
For more information or high resolution photos please contact us at 416-922-6223.
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