This summer, Vince Mirabelli, Broker with RE/MAX First Choice Realty Ltd. in Thunder Bay, is celebrating his five year anniversary as a volunteer for Camp Quality. Camp Quality is a non-profit, volunteer organization that, in addition to their signature week-long camping experience, provides year-round support for children with cancer (receiving treatment or in remission) and their families. They have seven camps located across Canada, including one just outside of Thunder Bay on Loon Lake.
Vince first got involved with Camp Quality the year his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I fell in love with the children and five years later I am still here,” he explains. Vince is a Camp Quality Companion, which means he acts as a one-on-one counsellor to a child with cancer at the camp and beyond.
“Camp Quality isn’t just about the one week in July, it’s about establishing a year-round relationship with the child,” says Vince. He reports he is very close with his camper and spends time with him and his family outside of the camp.
This summer, Vince and some close friends found time to build a monument in honour of five former campers who have passed away (pictured below).
“Even with my busy REALTOR® schedule, I never miss a week of Camp Quality – I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” explains Vince. “You don’t realize how special life is until you spend time with these children who act like young adults.”
