The Power of Play
In the summer of 2023, an idea took root within the Niagara community, driven by a shared commitment to creating meaningful experiences for refugee families temporarily residing in hotels. Launched in partnership with the McCall MacBain Foundation, this initiative aimed to provide more than just a refuge from the transitory nature of hotel living.
That it did. As the program unfolded, it blossomed into a vibrant community where children could revel in the joys of summer, discover new friendships, and explore their talents. By the end of summer 2024, the program had profoundly touched the lives of 104 children, creating impactful interactions and weaving a tapestry of cultural exchange and shared experiences in Niagara.
One memorable story involves two particularly creative participants, Maximiliano and Fernanda. At a talent show organized by the program, Maximiliano unveiled four pieces of artwork impressing both peers and leaders with his artistic skill. With equal flair, Fernanda performed “Beautiful Things,” showcasing her musical ability and the program’s capacity to nurture such talents.
Maximiliano’s father, Manuel Adrián Ochoa, expressed a heartfelt gratitude that resonated with the program’s core mission: “The summer camp helped our family because my children came back motivated and had a purpose during their summer break. They had different daily activities that made them think, play, and talk with us about their day.” underscoring the transformative impact of the Summer Play Program, not just in entertaining the children, but in engaging them intellectually and emotionally, fostering a vibrant home life even amidst the challenges of displacement.
Heidy Guevara, Fernanda’s mother, shared similar sentiments, appreciating the program’s role in providing her daughter a joyful escape from the confines of hotel life: “We noticed that our daughter was very happy to share experiences and activities with us. She seemed more animated and less stressed.” This reflection points to the program’s broader benefits—reducing stress and enhancing the mental well-being of children thrust into unfamiliar environments.
It is a space that they also give to parents who work so that the children do not stay in the hotels without doing some type of activity beneficial to them.
Other parents echoed these reflections. Melannie Marquez highlighted the program’s role in breaking the monotony of everyday routines: “The camp was very helpful in providing a distraction and a change in the children’s daily routine. It was comforting to know they were well-treated and had different activities to help them learn or release their energy.”
Edinson Oliveros praised the program for its recreational value and its support for working parents: “The program was very fun for my children. It is an excellent option that they give us so that during the summer they have fun and recreational activities to do. It is a space that they also give to parents who work so that the children do not stay in the hotels without doing some type of activity beneficial to them.”
Through these stories, “The Power of Play” stands as a testament to the power of compassion, creativity, and the transformative potential of play. It demonstrates how, even in challenging circumstances, children can thrive, parents can find respite, and communities can unite to celebrate the resilience and potential of every member.