Why Giving Back Matters to Us (And How We’re Using Our Park to Do It!)
Running a small, family-owned campground means we wear a lot of hats—caretakers, event planners, customer service, and more—but one of the most important roles we take on is being part of our community.
For Dalton and me, giving back has always been a huge part of our lives. Dalton has spent his career in the Navy, dedicating himself to service in ways many don’t see. For me, I’ve been involved in volunteer work for as long as I can remember—from working with the Geary Lions Club and Women’s Institute to volunteering in Nepal with children in need! Volunteering has been a part of my heart and life’s work.
Now, with Sunbury Oromocto Park, we’ve found ourselves with a new opportunity: to use this space, this small business that relies so much on community support, as a platform to give back in an even bigger way.
We’re proud to host two major fundraisers here at the park each year—events that bring people together while raising money for local causes close to our hearts.
FLOAT-A-THON — Our Back-to-School Fundraiser
Last summer, we launched our very first Float-a-thon—a back-to-school-themed fundraiser on August 23rd.
Teams of 2 to 4 people floated together on the lake, collecting pledges and donations from friends, family, and neighbours (just like a dance-a-thon or walk-a-thon… but on water!). The team that raises the most money AND last team floating will win a prize—but the real victory is raising funds for local students.
All donations from this event will go directly to the Oromocto Food Bank’s Back-to-School Backpack Program, which provides backpacks and essential supplies for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 throughout Oromocto and surrounding areas—including Burton, Geary, Gagetown, the Junction, and more.
As a licensed teacher who has taught in classrooms around the world, this cause is incredibly close to my heart. Every child (and their parents) deserves to feel prepared and confident walking into the school year, and we’re excited to help make that happen right here in our community!
SPOOKTACULAR FALL FEST — Halloween Fun for a Great Cause
Our second major fundraiser happened in the fall of 2024: the Spooktacular Fall Fest! It’s a weekend packed with Halloween fun for all ages—including haunted hikes, a family-friendly fall festival, and a market full of vendors!
This event is all about creating magical memories while supporting Angel Tree, a local initiative through the Oromocto Food Bank that provides Christmas gifts and Christmas dinners to children in need right here in our community. We proudly donate 50% of all profits from this event—including ticket sales, activity fees, and vendor booth rentals—directly to Angel Tree!
Why It Matters:
At its heart, everything we do here—from camping to concerts to fundraisers—is about bringing people together and building a strong, connected community.
We are endlessly grateful for the support we’ve received over the years, and hosting events like these is our way of paying it forward.
Growing up in a small community, I remember hearing the same thing over and over—people saying there was never anything fun to do around here. I also remember watching movies or trendy TV shows and wishing my town had events like the ones I saw on screen. Now, we’re trying to bring those kinds of experiences right here to our own community—but it only works if people show up and take part. Your participation is what makes the magic happen!
We hope you’ll join us for one (or both!) of these amazing fundraisers this year—and help us make a lasting impact, right here at home.
See you at the park!
— Danica & Dalton
Sunbury Oromocto Park