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Community Corner

New Canaan Residents Offer Some "Fresh Air" to NYC Children

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.  Through its Friendly Town Program, volunteer host families welcome inner city children aged 6-12 into their homes for 1 to two week visits over the summer.   These children join their host families for their usual summer activities, like running through the sprinkler in the grass, swimming in Waveny Pool, having a catch in the backyard, eating ice cream on a hot afternoon or walking the dog around the block. 

New Canaan has a long history of changing lives by welcoming Fresh Air Fund children into the community each summer.  This experience not only changes the children’s lives, it also changes the lives of the host families.  In 2013, 14 New Canaan families hosted 15 children - 8 of the families were first time hosts.  The Hills were one of those special first time host families.

 In late 2012, Lisa and James Hill read an article in their local paper about a New Canaan family who had hosted a child through the Fresh Air Fund for 9 years.  Becoming a host family was something Lisa and James had discussed many times over the years.  Having moved to New Canaan a year ago, they were thrilled to be part of a community that actively supported the Fresh Air Fund.  Given their boys would be ages 10 and 4 by the summer of 2013, Lisa and James thought the time was right to give the program a try. 

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 Contacting and meeting with Teri Reed, the local Fresh Air Fund Chairperson, Lisa and James discovered she was the host family mother they had read about in the newspaper article.  They were immediately caught up in the enthusiasm as they heard her experiences over the years with the program.  Although willing, Lisa and James had some trepidation and many questions.  What age child would best fit into their family?  Would the kids get along?  What kinds of activities should they do?  What kind of support system was in place if something went wrong?   The open discussion put to rest their concerns and they submitted their application.

 In early June, Lisa and James were notified an 8-year-old boy named Nekia from Brooklyn would be coming to stay with them.  Shortly after receiving his contact information, Lisa and James called Nekia and were immediately struck by his excitement and the kindness of his mother.  The Hills opted to pick up Nekia at the Fresh Air Fund office in New York City where they were greeted by his mom and dad.  After a short time, Nekia hopped into their car without looking back and they were all off on their adventure.

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 Nekia spent 10 days with the Hills and enjoyed a 4th of July picnic at Irwin Park, fireworks at Waveny Park, swim lessons at Waveny Pool, visits to the Norwalk Aquarium, the Stamford Nature Center, Lake Compounce, and lots of playtime at home.  From a crash course on how to ride a bike, Nekia perfected his skill while in New Canaan.   He was so proud!   The highlight of his visit was an overnight on the Hill’s boat - something he had never done before.  His introduction to sushi was tough, but he bravely tasted everything that was suggested.

 At the end of Nekia’s visit, the Hills dropped him off at the Fresh Air Fund office.  While listening to Nekia enthusiastically recount his many first-time experiences to his parents, the Hills realized just how special their time together had been for all of them.   The Hills are looking forward to having Nekia back this summer for another fun adventure.

 The Fresh Air Fund is looking for more families to host children this summer.  Fresh Air Fund information sessions will be held at the New Canaan Library’s Plaut Room on Monday April 28 at 10 AM and Tuesday April 29 at 7 PM.  Residents can also contact Teri Reed, New Canaan Fresh Air Fund Chairperson, at 972 9199 or treed04@gmail.com.

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