Last week, I was sitting around a campfire with a group of incredible volunteers—the unsung heroes who cook, clean, and serve each week to make Camp Mini-Yo-We possible. One of them, Angela, pulled me aside. We got talking about the Brent Run, our upcoming 162 km fundraising canoe trip to support the Kids in Need fund.
She smiled, leaned forward, and said, “Would it be okay if I shared my story?”
The next morning, she sent me this letter. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it’s exactly why we do what we do:
My name is Angela, and I have four children who have been incredibly blessed to have been able to attend Camp Mini Yo We. I’m so grateful I can share a small part of our story.
As a volunteer at Camp Mini Yo We, I see snippets of interactions daily that bring a smile to my face. As a mom, I hear and see the positive impact Camp Mini Yo We has made in the lives of my children. We are blessed to say we are part of the Mini Yo We family.
In December 2021, tragedy struck our family, and our lives were changed forever when my kids’ dad died suddenly. We went from being a mostly carefree family to one whose lives would change in the blink of an eye.
Sending my kids to camp felt impossible, and without financial assistance, there would have been no way I could have made it happen. The kindness and generosity of donors made it possible for my kids to attend camp. Sponsorship was an answer to prayer, and something I’ll forever be grateful for.
Camp Mini Yo We has been a blessing to my children. They got to sit around a campfire while eating s’mores and learn about Jesus and his love for us. These lessons are not only in words but in interactions with their camp leaders. These leaders are truly the hands and feet of Jesus. For a child who has a broken heart, this alone is priceless.
They had their confidence built up and could be themselves, all while being pulled in a tube behind a boat and swimming in a lake or when they played around camp.
Family and friends would message me after spotting one of my kids on social media in pictures participating in one of the many exciting camp activities. The message was always similar, talking about how happy they look and how radiant their smile is. They all said, “I bet they don’t want the week to end.”
They are right; they don’t want camp to end.
My kids were blessed to be able to have a carefree week of fun, games, and most importantly, to learn about Jesus in a place where you don’t have to look far to feel the presence of our Lord. Camp Mini Yo We is a place that gives my kids new hope, and friendships and renewal in their faith.
The impact camp has made in the lives of my kids is something I will forever be grateful for. I know in my heart the positive impact will stay with them for a lifetime. For this, I’m eternally grateful.
Angela’s story is just one of many. And this summer, we want to say yes to even more families like hers.
That’s why Andy and I are training for the Brent Run—a 162 km canoe route through Algonquin Park that we’ll complete in just two days. It’s gruelling. It’s long. It’s worth it.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 for the Kids in Need fund. And thanks to our incredible community, we’ve already raised $29,858!
But we’re not done yet.
Here’s how you can help:
- Give $1 for every km we paddle.
If 450 friends of Mini-Yo-We gave $1 for each of the 162 km, we’d hit our goal! - Sponsor a day of the journey.
A gift of $81 covers half the distance. $162 covers the full route. - Send a child to camp.
Every $750 raised provides a full sponsorship for one camper.
Will you join us?
Learn more and follow our route at www.brentrun.com.
Click here to donate to the Brent Run 2025!
You can also watch Angela share some of her story in this video on Facebook.
We’re paddling every kilometre for the kids who need it most—for the ones who have been through more than most adults ever will. For the ones who light up when they arrive at camp. For the ones who hear about Jesus—maybe for the very first time.
Thanks for helping us carry the hope.
With gratitude,
Steve McCready
Executive Director, Camp Mini-Yo-We