By COLlive reporter
Camp Gan Yisroel Montreal, an overnight summer camp for Chabad boys in Quebec, has joined Camp Gan Israel of Toronto in announcing that they won’t be opening this summer season because of Covid-19 regulations.
The first report on COLlive.com on Thursday night drew sad reactions from campers and parents who were looking forward for the respite following months of isolation and quarantine since the onset of the pandemic.
On Friday, Rabbi Yisroel Mochkin and Liba Mochkin who direct Camp Gan Yisroel in Montreal wrote the following letter:
We are filled with emotion and concern as we pen this painful email to our international Camp Gan Yisroel family. We reflect on the tremendous benefits of camp on each camper and staff member, and the void that this will cause.
Our hearts go out to our first-time campers, returning campers, once-in a-lifetime-section-C-campers, and all our staff! We would have done anything to open camp this summer, but Hashem had other plans.
Our grounds will miss the tremendous spirit, and sweet sounds of davening, learning, singing, sports and so much more!
It is with great regret that we share this news with you. The Quebec Government has issued a statement – denying permission for overnight camps to open for summer 5780/2020.
Although we are forced to cancel camp, we will refund 100% of your payment. We make this offer knowing that the financial impact on camp is challenging, as we have, and continue to incur huge expenditures anticipating camp’s opening and ongoing expenses.
Attached is your record of payment to date. We take the liberty to request your support to assist us with our current cost and losses. Please consider donating the $300 deposit and perhaps some of your payments towards camp, for a donation receipt (US receipt option as well).
We appreciate your kindness and concern. Please inform us the total amount you would like reimbursed. Please understand that the refund will take some time, as we work out the finances on our end.
We want to take this opportunity to thank our devoted head staff for their tireless efforts in planning a most enjoyable and chassidishe season for your sons. Their optimism, energy, and enthusiasm, have been encouraging in this challenging time.
We will certainly miss spending the season with your son(s), and look forward to summer 5781/2021 in Yerushalayim. Wishing you Chassidishe Nachas from all your children; and a safe and productive summer.
May we all be zoche to spend this summer with the Rebbe in Yerushalayim with Moshiach! AMEN!
Rabbi and Mrs. Yisroel Mockin
Camp Gan Yisroel Montreal
*and look forward to summer 5780/2020 in yerushalayim.
Moshiach now
is parksville gonna close now?