Photo: Contributed

"The support is needed right now for all the kids that go to camp," said Rob Ellis, board of directors for BC Easter Seals B.C./Yukon.

The Easter Seals Camp Winfield is hosting a fundraising golf tournament next month in support of the camp.

"It's an opportunity for the local community Lion's Clubs to host an event to try and generate enough revenue that can put many kids through Easter Seals Camp Winfield this summer," said Ellis.

The camp provides sleep-over summer camp sessions for children six to 18 years of age and young adults 19 to 29 years of age who have an intellectual and/or physical disability.

"When you have kids of all disabilities in situations in their lives, seeing them smile or laugh and giggle, while doing something that we all take for granted, which is camping, it's definitely something that really melts your heart," Ellis said.

The camp provides safe, fun activities in an environment where the focus is on abilities, not disabilities. The camp activities are designed to build confidence, independence and peer interaction in a recreational environment

"It's definitely an eye-opener for everyday people to be able to have the opportunity to see it in action."

Camp Squamish and Camp Shawnigan had to suspend their operations due to lack of support and funds.

"Easter Seals Camp Winfield is remaining open thanks to the tremendous support that it gets from local business and local people."

The golf fundraiser will take place May 26 at the Vernon Golf and Country Club with a shotgun start time of 1 p.m.

The cost of the event is $125 per person and includes golf, a shared cart, dinner and prizes.

A dinner will take place at the clubhouse following the round of golf.

The registration deadline is May 7 and the event is limited to 120 golfers.