Camp Squeah

Located in Hope, B.C., Camp Squeah established a connection with MFC about 12 years ago. The camp, set in the magnificent Fraser Valley, was founded in 1961as a ministry of Mennonite Church British columbia. It serves as a place of refuge in a abeautiful natural setting. It offers children's summer camps and retreats, and functions as an outdoor educational facility.
Some years ago, camp Executive Director Rob Tiessen explored the possibility of setting up an endowment fund with MFC to support the long-term vision for the camp. "Of all the money donated in a given year, 10 per cent is set aside in this endowment," says Rob. "Already, the interest off the endowment comes back to feed the fund. We can't imagine what that fund will be able to do in 20 or 30 years from now."
Additionally, people within their constituency set up funds at MFC that provide annual donations for campers who otherwise would not be able to attend the camp. And when it came time to build two new lodges to accommodate adults and seniors more comfortably, the camp was able to draw on their funds to cover costs during the fundraising process.
"That worked extremely well for us." reports Rob. "We have a level of trust built up that allows us to suggest the Foundation to people who are thinking of being creative in planning their estates or who want to give for long-term sustainability."