Summer has gone to the kids!
Irving Oil announces launch of the Funshine Club

SAINT JOHN, NB - To celebrate the upcoming summer season, Irving Oil will be providing funding for spaces in a variety of summer camps and programs for children attending St. John the Baptist-King Edward School (SJBKE) in Saint John's south end. The Funshine Club will fund approximately 150 spaces at camps and activities offered through the YMCA-YWCA, the Interaction Theatre Company and P.R.O. Kids between July 3rd and August 31st.

"We are very committed to the students of SJBKE, and the Funshine Club will allow us to carry our involvement through the summer months," says Lisa Savidant, coordinator for Irving Oil's partnership with SJBKE. "This program gives kids from SJBKE the opportunity to learn new skills and forge new friendships this summer. It also supports the city of Saint John in its development as a thriving and prosperous community."

Each week, 90 Irving Oil employees and alumni volunteer to help mentor and support the students and staff of SJBKE. Since 2002, Irving Oil has provided students with new computers, educational school trips, sports uniforms, a new sound system, and other much needed supplies.

"Children and a camp experience go together like smiles and balloons," says Pat Davis, President & CEO of the Saint John YMCA-YWCA. "Here at the Y we believe every child deserves the opportunity to go to camp, and the Funshine Club will ensure that children who otherwise might not attend will have the chance to do so."

"When you help children and youth to get involved in recreation activities, you help them to feel a sense of belonging and community, remove barriers for participation, build a sense of self-esteem and encourage them to achieve their potential and uncover their unique talents," adds Julie Keirstead of P.R.O. Kids. "They also have the opportunity to be introduced to adults who are coaches, instructors, and leaders in these recreation programs."

Camp programs include:

About Irving Oil
Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is the regional refining and marketing company serving customers in Eastern Canada, Quebec, and New England with a range of finished energy products, including gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, jet fuel and complementary products and services. The company's network of Bluecanoe and Mainway convenience stores throughout Eastern Canada and New England offers customers a wide variety of products and services, including grocery and snack items, bakeries and convenience items, in addition to fuel. In 2003, Irving Oil became the first oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence award for its low-sulphur gasoline. Approximately 7,000 people currently work with the company. 

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