Aunt Kay’s Reading Camp gets donation from NY

The participants in this year’s Aunt Kay’s Reading Camp are the lucky recipients of reading and craft materials generously donated by New York-based benefactors.{{more}}

Gillian and Joanne Gordon and their sister Camille Gordon-Taylor shipped a variety of books, art and craft supplies, a First-Aid kit, games and sporting equipment for use in this year’s four-week summer programme, which will conclude on August 6, 2010.

Alumni of the Belair Government School, where the summer programme is held, the Gordon sisters decided to make their donation following Gillian’s visit to St. Vincent last year.

Camp Coordinator, Karyn Constance, related that Gillian was impressed with the work she was doing, and promised to do what she could to make a contribution.

“She was really enthusiastic about it,” Constance said.

In its third year of existence, the summer programme aims to improve children’s reading skills, therefore making it easier on teachers when the students return to school in the new term.

The summer programme, which is a non-governmental, not-for-profit community venture, caters for 35 – 55 children, and involves them in both indoor and outdoor activities.

Constance, who is an 18-year veteran in the teaching profession, revealed that the programme often runs at a loss because many families cannot afford to pay the $180 fee, and she does not turn them away.

“I’m just doing this by faith,” she said. “It’s my community, so this is my way of giving back!”

Constance is appealing to businesses, past students of the Belair Government School and members of the Belair community to assist in any way that they can.

This year’s summer programme is operating under the theme ‘Reading makes me Happy’. (JV)