Orefield, PA (May 21, 2019) – KidsPeace’s Lehigh Valley Board of Associates has launched its 2019 fundraising campaign, “Recreation Revival.” The campaign seeks support for renovations and upgrades to a number of recreational facilities serving the children at KidsPeace’s inpatient and residential treatment programs at the Orchard Hills Campus in Orefield, Lehigh County.
Tony DaRe, president of BSI Corporate Benefits and co-chair of the Lehigh Valley BOA, announced at an April 25th reception that the campaign will run through September 30 with the goal of raising $50,000. The donations will pay for needed improvements to a variety of venues, including outdoor volleyball and basketball courts; the swimming pool and fitness room at the Donley Therapeutic Education Center; and the “ropes” climbing and agility course on the campus.
“These facilities not only provide exercise and opportunities for physical education, but they also are places where kids get the chance to learn and practice socialization skills. As such, they’re an important part of the treatment programs KidsPeace provides,” DaRe said. “But for me, I think the most compelling reason to support our Recreation Revival campaign is because most of us grew up not facing the challenges these kids face, and we should try to give them the opportunity we had to have fun and just be kids every once in a while.”
“Research studies have unequivocally demonstrated the psychological, physical, social and developmental benefits of incorporating recreation into treatment programs for kids,” said Rob Scott, director of recreation and creative services at KidsPeace’s Orchard Hills Campus. “Here at KidsPeace our Certified Recreation Therapists and Recreation Technicians are a vital part of the treatment team, but the facilities they use are also key elements to successful treatment. I am excited about the Recreation Revival fundraising effort to improve the recreational facilities that will continue to serve our children’s needs.”
In 2018, the Lehigh Valley BOA raised $37,000 for a new autism-friendly sensory-sensitive playground at KidsPeace’s Broadway Campus in Fountain Hill, PA.
For more information or to donate to the “Recreation Revival” campaign, visit https://www.kidspeace.org/recreation-revival/
Since 1882, KidsPeace has been building on its expertise to give hope, help and healing to children, adults and those who love them. Through its comprehensive range of residential treatment programs; accredited educational services; unique psychiatric hospital and foster care and community-based programs, KidsPeace is dedicated to helping people connect, transform and overcome their challenges to ensure a stable future, transition to adulthood and gain independence. Since its doors opened, more than 200,000 children have participated in one of the multitude of programs KidsPeace offers. For additional resources or more information on how to get involved, become a foster parent or make a donation, please visit www.kidspeace.org. Follow us at www.facebook.com/kidspeace.org or on Twitter @KidsPeace.
Information Provided By:
Robert Martin
Director of Communications
