For three weeks this summer, Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel welcomed back Kids of Courage, a group of 40 Bar and Bat Mitzvah-aged children of severely injured Israeli veterans. We told them (and their parents) that they would have the summer of their lives. We kept our promise!
The Kids were generously hosted at four long-established, renowned camps: New Moon, Northland B’nai Brith, Wahanowin, and Walden where they shared cabins and exciting camp activities with Canadian children.
The program provides a break from the day-to-day challenges of being the child of an injured parent. Back home in Israel, parents are happy knowing their sons and daughters are simply being kids and having adventure after adventure. At camp, life-long friendships develop as the Israelis and Canadians discover more similarities in their lives than differences.
Before travelling up north, the Israeli children explored several area attractions. Of course, they travelled to Niagara Falls, and of course, our community ensured the young visitors ate (very) well during backyard pool parties and BBQs. Toronto icon and dedicated Beit Halochem Canada supporter United Bakers treated the group to its delicious fare.
This Beit Halochem Canada initiative is coordinated in collaboration with injured veteran Dana Pinhasov. It is fuelled by volunteers, many of whom are children of disabled veterans, including the chaperones. Some of these young adults benefited from the program as Kids.
We have welcomed these children of Israel’s disabled veterans since 2014 and are already looking ahead to the 2024 season. Please consider sponsoring a Kid of Courage, funding an outing, or hosting a meal or event. Your support will help deliver another confidence-building, life-altering opportunity for the children of our injured Heroes.
See more photos and videos from our Kids of Courage programs here.