The British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is calling for donations ahead of its 2025 online auction, which will benefit the Care Camps Foundation.
The annual event is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, and will continue through Sunday, June 22, coinciding with National Camping Month in June.
The online auction aims to raise funds for Care Camps, a foundation that helps children living with cancer attend specialized oncology camps across Canada. These camps offer young patients the opportunity to build resilience, experience joy, and enjoy the outdoors in a medically safe and supportive setting.
BCLCA’s 2025 auction will feature a wide range of items available for bidding, including gift cards for camping stays, cabin rentals, outdoor experiences, clothing, and small appliances.
Donated gift certificates are preferred this year to avoid the cost of shipping physical items, the association stated.
According to BCLCA, the decision to prioritize gift certificates ensures that more of the funds raised can go directly to Care Camps.
“This year, we are seeking gift certificates instead of physical items to reduce shipping costs, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to Care Camps,” the organization noted in a statement.
Each child’s camp experience costs nearly $2,000 per week, highlighting the importance of fundraising efforts. The BCLCA has supported Care Camps since 2021, raising more than $20,000 through community support and annual auctions.
BCLCA is encouraging businesses to support the 2025 campaign by contributing gift certificates or other donation cards. Suggested items include gas cards, Visa debit cards, or merchandise gift cards, which are expected to generate strong bidding activity during the auction period.
Interested donors are asked to contact Darlene at [email protected] or call 604-908-5594 for details on how to contribute. The association is welcoming participation from campground operators, retailers, and hospitality-related businesses.
The campaign aligns with BCLCA’s broader efforts to support children facing serious medical conditions while engaging the outdoor hospitality sector in meaningful community initiatives.
Care Camps Foundation continues to serve families navigating childhood cancer by offering safe, supportive camp experiences that are medically supervised. The foundation operates in partnership with organizations across Canada to reach children who can benefit most from outdoor therapeutic programs.