North Brothers Ford, located in Westland, Michigan is no stranger to the Y, and no stranger to connecting with kids. The organization has been a longtime supporter of the Livonia Family YMCA and this year is no exception. North Brothers Ford made a contribution that will have a significant impact on YMCA camp kids in the Westland area, donating $3,000 to be used for the Livonia / Westland Summer Camp Program.
“This is the second year the City of Westland and the Livonia Family YMCA have partnered to offer summer day camp at Central City Park in Westland,” said Brian Wolverton, Executive Director of the Livonia Family YMCA. “This kind of program relies on sponsorships to keep it going, making the contribution of North Brothers Ford even more important.”
Wolverton says the generosity of the North Brothers team is not new to the Y. “They have partnered with us for years, and they always make it clear they want to do things that help the kids. We can’t say thank you enough for that. They have provided backpacks filled with supplies kids need to start the school year off right, and their support of camp is the latest in a long list of ways they show how much they care about kids.”
The original North Brothers operation began in 1928 in Lincoln Park. During the war years, they converted their automotive dealership to a precision machine shop making airplane parts for the war effort. The North Brothers dealership eventually found its way to Ford Road in Westland in 1969. Brothers Doug and Tom carry on the family tradition today.
The brothers have strong ties in the community, holding an annual golf outing of which the YMCA has be a benefactor. They also hold annual food and clothing drives, support local high schools in their fundraising efforts, as well as many other philanthropic endeavors.
“We are always happy to partner with the YMCA,” said Doug North, President of North Brothers Ford. “Our organization has a passion for helpings kids, making the connection with the Y, in particular our sponsorship of the summer camp in Westland, very special to us.”
Parents in Westland and the surrounding communities can register their children for camp providing their kids with both a safe and entertaining environment. The day camp is designed to offer a variety of programs and activities that stimulate both mind and body. Activities range from kick ball to archery to playing in the H20 Zone in the park.
With a goal of providing each child “the best summer ever,” the week-long themed day camp sessions run through September 1, and are open to children between the ages of 5 and 12. Children must be five years old as of September 1, 2017 to attend. Held at the Westland Farmers Market Pavilion, this summer program regularly takes advantage of the park’s many adjacent amenities including a playscape and splash pad, as well as providing fun activities that develop character and teach new skills. Children also travel twice a week to explore the outdoors, participate in field trips and go swimming.
Along with the daily camp activities, children attending the Westland camp can also take advantage of free breakfast and lunch, offered through the YMCA Healthy Living and Life Skills Branch. The summer meal programs are placed in areas where 50% of school age children receive free or reduced-cost lunches during the school year. “The Y tries to bridge the gap during the summer months when children are not in school,” said Wolverton. “The program is completely free, you do not have to sign up or provide any paperwork. It is simply available for those who might need it.”
“We believe both our camp and food programs are a great opportunity for families from Westland and the surrounding areas to provide their children with a great summer experience, in a safe nurturing space,” said Wolverton. “We are indebted to the North brothers for helping us make this happen.”