Community Partnerships make Peace Village a Go!

It’s been said, “It takes a village” and that saying is more true than ever for Columbia Gorge Peace Village. With 150 campers, and 42 scholarships awarded to kids throughout the Mid–Columbia Region it is the partnerships that make Peace Village possible. “Giving to Peace Village is a creative endeavor,” said Erika Rench, one of the planners for the interfaith, multicultural week-long day camp. Volunteers can help before camp, during and after. “ Just tell us what you like to do, how you would like to help and we will find something that works for you,” said Rench.

Peace Village’s financial contributors are even getting their creative juices flowing this year. For example, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is not only one of their Regional Peacemaker Sponsors they are helping supply many of the first- aid needs for camp and will be bringing an ambassador to camp to teach and play games with children around healthy food, healthy bodies.  “This is exactly the involvement we want to see at Peace Village,” said Jody Behr, Assistant Director of Programming. “ Businesses, organizations, teachers, artists, counselors, parents all taking ownership in Peace Village and seeing how they really can make a difference in spreading peace around us, among communities, and within ourselves.”

The Jubitz Family Foundation granted Peace Village $5,000 to support the summer camp and new initiatives.  In addition, 2014 Peace Village Regional Peacemakers include Gorge Ecumenical Ministries who through their fundraising efforts gave $1000 , the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai’s of Klickitat donated $1,000, Hattenhauer Distributing donated $1000, Bethel United Church of Christ committed $750  and individual donors have contributed $3,000 . With camp a go on August 4th and plans for camp wrapping up, Peace Village still needs to raise funds to be able to support a fully-funded camp. Food donations, supplies, volunteering your talents and time and financial contributions are all the gifts needed to make Peace Village all it can be. Donate or volunteer at www.columbiagorgepeacevillage.com.

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