A/Slt Kim Wachockier
MARPAC Public Affairs
A select group of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors recently swapped uniformed drills at sea for a day of paint cans and yard tools among the trees.
On May 1, 28 members of HMCS Max Bernays’ crew spent the day volunteering at Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan as a part of the vessel’s community outreach. Founded in 1947, Easter Seals offers accessible summer programs for B.C. and Yukon children, youth, and adults living with disabilities. While Camp Shawnigan is located on Vancouver, it is one of several locations operating under the Easter Seals organization.
On site, sailors engaged in a variety of activities from power-washing sidewalks and painting rooms to sanding wood and cleaning roofing. Coordination for the crew’s day of community involvement was also spearheaded by Robbie Levin, Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan’s maintenance supervisor. With both Max Bernays’ namesake sponsor Shannon Bernays and coxswain Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Mike Umbach involved with Easter Seals across generations, the crew’s decision to support Camp Shawnigan was deeply purposeful.
“Camp Shawnigan was described as a magical place,” shared CPO1 Umbach, “…and honestly, after spending time there, I really get what that means.”
To many of Max Bernays’ crew, the day spent among the trees engaged in community service was a reminder of why they joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Though the vessel will be unable to return this summer to engage with the camp once again, there are plans to greatly increase the charitable outreach efforts its company continues to engage in. The Nunavut Kitikmeot Food Bank also continues to stand as HMCS Max Bernays’ second official ship’s charity.
