Canadian RV Association Receives National Award for Pediatric Cancer Camp Support

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) was recently honored with the We Care Corporate Award from Care Camps Foundation, recognizing the Association's year-long fundraising and awareness initiative supporting pediatric oncology camps across Canada. The award was presented to CRVA's President Shane Devenish during the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention in Las Vegas by Gwynn Sullivan, Executive Director of Care Camps Foundation, in recognition of CRVA's national effort tied to its 50th Anniversary celebrations. Gwynn Sullivan stated that Care Camps exists because of the outdoor industry and partners like CRVA who go above and beyond, noting that CRVA's 50th anniversary initiative exemplified what it means to lead with heart.

Throughout 2025, CRVA traveled coast to coast with the CRVA 50th RV, generously donated by General Coach Canada, connecting with campground owners, dealerships, and community partners at events across the country in support of Care Camps Foundation, which supports medically supervised pediatric oncology camps for children and families. Marty Bloemberg, Chair of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association, explained that from the very beginning, they were clear about their goals for their 50th Anniversary, wanting to celebrate an important milestone and shine a light on the RV industry while finding a way to give back in a meaningful way, with CRVA's Board being unanimous in its support of Care Camps.

The tour created countless opportunities for CRVA to connect with RVers, dealers, campground owners, and industry partners, many of whom shared personal stories, donated generously, and helped to amplify Care Camps' mission within Canada. Shane Devenish noted that one of the greatest joys of their 50th anniversary year was meeting people face-to-face, hearing their RV stories and seeing their passion for camping first hand, but especially watching how quickly everyone rallied to support their mission with Care Camps. When receiving the award in Las Vegas, CRVA emphasized that this recognition must be shared with RVDA of Canada, Go RVing Canada, and the Canadian Camping and RV Association, who were passionate about joining in their journey and whose support and ongoing advocacy continue to be instrumental in strengthening the RV and camping sector nationwide.

Devenish continued that while they are tremendously honored, the recognition doesn't belong to CRVA alone, but is truly to be shared with every dealer, campground owner, manufacturer, current RV owner, and everyone else who dropped by and said hello at one of the events, donated to Care Camps, shared their message, or simply encouraged them along the way. During CRVA's most recent Board of Directors meeting, members and industry partners gathered to mark the occasion and reflect on the significance of the award. As CRVA looks ahead beyond its 50th year, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to industry leadership, community engagement, and supporting causes like Care Camps that reflect the values of the community and the RV lifestyle.