CRVA Marks 50th Anniversary with National RV Fundraiser for Children's Cancer Camps

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association is commemorating five decades of industry leadership with an innovative charitable initiative that combines celebration with meaningful community impact. Founded in 1975, the organization has chosen to mark its 50th anniversary by partnering with Care Camps to support children battling cancer, demonstrating how milestone celebrations can translate into tangible benefits for vulnerable populations.

General Coach Canada, a longtime CRVA member, has donated a 2025 25' Citation Reward Travel Trailer that will serve as the centerpiece of a nationwide fundraising campaign. Roger Faulkner, President of General Coach Canada, highlighted the significance of the donation, stating that CRVA has played a vital role in strengthening the Canadian RV industry throughout its five decades of operation. The RV will be wrapped in a custom design and feature a QR code directing potential donors to support Care Camps, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the charity dedicated to providing outdoor camp experiences for children with cancer.

The fundraising RV will make its debut at the Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show from February 27 to March 2, 2025, where raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Following the initial showcase, the trailer will embark on an extensive cross-country journey, appearing at various festivals and events throughout the year to maximize exposure and fundraising potential. This mobile approach allows the campaign to reach diverse communities across Canada while symbolizing the freedom and adventure that defines the RV lifestyle.

Gwynn Sullivan, Executive Director of Care Camps Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership opportunity, emphasizing how the initiative will provide children with cancer a chance to experience joy and adventure through specialized outdoor camps. The collaboration represents a significant boost for Care Camps' mission, leveraging CRVA's industry reach and reputation to amplify fundraising efforts for a cause that brings comfort and normalcy to children during challenging medical treatments.

Beyond the charitable initiative, CRVA's milestone celebration includes several commemorative activities designed to honor the organization's legacy. These include a special 50th-anniversary logo, historical retrospectives recognizing key industry figures, and advocacy campaigns reinforcing the organization's commitment to industry standards and safety. Shane Devenish, CRVA's President, emphasized that the anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate past achievements while honoring those who have contributed to the association's success over five decades.

As CRVA looks toward the next 50 years, the organization remains committed to promoting the RV lifestyle, supporting industry growth, and making positive impacts on communities across Canada. The Care Camps partnership exemplifies how industry associations can leverage their resources and networks to create meaningful social change while celebrating organizational milestones. This approach to anniversary celebrations sets a precedent for how trade organizations can integrate charitable giving into commemorative activities, creating lasting legacies that extend beyond industry boundaries.