The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) has been 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. This recognition highlights how industry organizations can leverage milestone celebrations to create meaningful social impact while strengthening community bonds.
The award was presented to CRVA President Shane Devenish during the RV Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas by Gwynn Sullivan, Executive Director of Care Camps Foundation. Sullivan emphasized that "Care Camps exists because of the outdoor industry and partners like CRVA who go above and beyond. CRVA's 50th anniversary initiative exemplified what it means to lead with heart, and we are deeply grateful for their support and for the Canadian RV community that stood behind it."
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. This tour supported Care Camps Foundation, which funds medically supervised pediatric oncology camps for children and families. According to Marty Bloemberg, Chair of CRVA, "While we wanted to celebrate an important milestone and shine a light on the RV industry that we are so proud to be a part of, we wanted to find a way to give back in a meaningful way, and CRVA's Board was unanimous in its support of Care Camps."
The initiative created numerous opportunities for CRVA to connect with RV enthusiasts, dealers, campground owners, and industry partners, many of whom shared personal stories, donated generously, and helped amplify Care Camps' mission within Canada. Devenish noted that "one of the greatest joys of our 50th anniversary year for me personally 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 our mission this year with Care Camps."
When receiving the award, CRVA emphasized that this recognition must be shared with RVDA of Canada, Go RVing Canada, and the Canadian Camping and RV Association, whose support and ongoing advocacy continue to be instrumental in strengthening the RV and camping sector nationwide. Devenish stated, "While we are tremendously honored, the recognition doesn't belong to CRVA alone. It 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 our message, or simply encouraged us along the way."
This award demonstrates how industry associations can create substantial social value beyond their commercial interests. The partnership between CRVA and Care Camps Foundation shows how corporate social responsibility initiatives can effectively support critical healthcare services for vulnerable populations. Care Camps Foundation supports camps that are members of the Children's Oncology Camping Association (COCA), which oversees their quality assurance and professional development. As CRVA looks beyond its 50th year, the association has reaffirmed its commitment to industry leadership, community engagement, and supporting causes like Care Camps that reflect the values of the RV community and lifestyle.
