Medley pool project gets a boost, but it needs your help!

Fundraising for the new pool and maintenance facility at Camp Medley has taken on some urgency, but for a good reason.

The J.T. Clark Family Foundation, once associated with the Clark auto dealerships that were prominent in New Brunswick for a century, has made the camp an offer.

“They’re doing matching,” said the Rev. John Galbraith, camp director. “I met with the family rep and we walked the camp.”

The goal is $375,000, to be raised by the end of December. If the goal is not reached by that deadline, there is no matching, and no support from the foundation.

The matching scheme is there to ensure the group receiving the funds is invested and serious, as opposed to simply asking for money. It shows interest and effort on the part of the receiver, said John. 

However, if this campaign, called A Place Where Everyone Belongs, is a success, it will put three-quarters of a million dollars toward the project, a significant boost. The project cost is around $3.4 million and $1.2 million has already been raised.

Donations are already being received. Updates will be released as the campaign continues. 

The pool project, unveiled in 2024, would see a modern pool facility built not only for camp use, but for the surrounding community, which does not have a public pool. 

The plan is for a four-lane, 25 metre pool with ramp entry into the shallow end to accommodate swimmers with mobility limitations.

The path from the parking lot to the facility would be accessible, as would be the bathroom and changing facilities. 

And with no place to store equipment and tools, a maintenance building has become a must, as much for security as for convenience.

“We're inviting everyone to become part of A Place Where Everyone Belongs,” said John. “This project is about much more than replacing a pool. 

“It's about creating a welcoming place where children, youth, families, seniors, churches, volunteers, retreat guests, and neighbours can gather, grow, and create memories together.”

Eligible gifts for this campaign include one-time donations, monthly gifts, pledge commitments of up to five years, gifts of publicly traded securities, and gifts from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and community organizations. 

You can visit the campaign website to learn more about how the matching gift works, explore the Frequently Asked Questions, or make your donation.

Visit https://campmedley.ca/donate/campaign/

You can also donate via e-transfer (finance@campmedley.ca) and note the donation is for the Camp Medley pool project. 
 

Photo captions:

1. Camp director, the Rev. John Galbraith, points out problems with Camp Medley's 60-year-old pool to members of Diocesan Council in this file photo. McKnight photo
2. Heidi and hundreds of campers still use the old pool at Camp Medley, and the river, to swim, but as some have pointed out, the river is warmer than the pool. Emma Davies photo