MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – The Westward Ho Campers Association is calling on area residents and visitors to join them in the ongoing support of local charities and businesses, say officials.
“The association is dedicated not only to preserving the experience visitors have come to love, but also to making a meaningful impact beyond the campground itself,” member Charmaine Bradley told the Albertan.
“Recognizing its social responsibility, the association prioritizes giving back to the local community that warmly welcomes its members as temporary residents each year.
“Despite most association members residing outside Mountain View County, they remain committed to supporting local charities and business first.”
The association has a long-standing policy of locally sourcing goods and services whenever possible, whether for daily campground operations, maintenance or items needed for campground-hosted events, she said.
“By leading by example, we hope to inspire campers to do the same when purchasing their own essentials, further strengthening their connection to the community.”
Located east of Sundre on the banks of the Little Red Deer River, the Westward Ho campground is owned by Mountain View County and operated by the association.
The association itself has a long history of supporting area charities and fostering events in support of local groups and organizations, whether social service or activity-based.
“We review our year-end financials in the fall and then we donate what we can, depending on what is left after the year is up, after maintenance of the park is complete for the year, staff has been paid, etc.,” she said.
Since its inception in April 2012, the association has provided more than $250,000 to local charities and organizations.
Most recently, in 2024, the association donated $18,000 to the Mountain View Food Bank, $2,500 to the Sundre Hospitals Futures, $2,500 to STARS, $1,500 to Sundre AquaPlex, $500 to Mountain View BearSmart Society, and $500 to Mountainview Youth Dart League.
The association also offers a scholarship program for post-secondary students.
“The positive effects the local community-based, not-for profit has had on local charities and the local economy is nothing to scoff at,” she said.
“The association encourages all organizations with the means, to help foster the growth of local charities and aid whenever possible.”
The association encourages groups and organizations that require assistance to reach out to them by contacting the campground office.
Westward Ho campground is a certified STARS air ambulance landing site, providing safety for both the campground itself and for the surrounding community, she noted.
