We have highlighted before Barclays efforts in the UK (Barclays Spaces for Sports). Below, you will see more work from the company, this time with its naming rights partner, the New Jersey Nets of the NBA. Who knows if the Nets ever end up in Brooklyn but kudos to the Alliance for making a positive impact already on the community.

The press release was first published at Business Wire athttp://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090922005283/en.

Barclays/Nets Community Alliance Partners with Camp Sunshine to Support Hematology and Oncology Program – Special Session Offered for families from Brooklyn, New York

CASCO, Maine–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Camp Sunshine announced it has received support from the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance, which includes a partnership among Barclays, the Nets and Forest City Ratner Companies. This support is enabling a special session at Casco, Maine based Camp Sunshine in October for families from Brooklyn, New York who have children afflicted with hematology and/or oncology. Camp Sunshine offers children with life-threatening illnesses and their families free camp experiences, giving the entire family the opportunity to connect and rebuild relationships strained from the pressures of the illness.

Support from the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance will fund the entire session at Camp Sunshine including transportation from Brooklyn to Maine, and back. The Alliance support is part of their commitment to investing $1 million per year in non-profits that work to improve the lives of Brooklyn-area youth through sports and other activities, including healthcare and education.

“Camp Sunshine is a great resource for families dealing with a child who has cancer. The idyllic setting on Sebago Lake is the perfect backdrop for family connections, and is the perfect venue through which we can help sick children and families from Brooklyn,” explained Gerard LaRocca, Chief Administrative Officer, Barclays Capital.

At the October 2009 Hematology and Oncology Session, 40 families are expected to attend. A number of families have signed up already, but there are still more openings. Interested families are encouraged to contact the camp at (207) 655-3800, or via their website at www.campsunshine.org.

“Support from the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance is tremendous,” said Matt Hoidal, executive director of Camp Sunshine. “An important long-term benefit of Camp is the social network, and thanks to the Alliance, Brooklyn families will be able to make connections they can take home with them, in addition to enjoying a much-needed break.”

About Camp Sunshine
Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine, located in Maine’s Sebago Lake region, provides a camp vacation at no charge to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The camp is one of the only programs in the nation whose mission is to address the impact of a life-threatening illness on every member of the immediate family. While attending the various week-long camps, families are able to rebuild relationships together and meet other families facing similar challenges. Camp Sunshine is in the midst of a $14.5 million endowment campaign to help expand and improve programs. Over the years, Camp Sunshine has hosted families from 44 states and 15 countries, and provided a camp experience for more than 30,000 family members.

About the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance
Created in November 2007, the Barclays Nets Community Alliance is a collective initiative between Barclays Capital, Nets Basketball, and Forest City Ratner Companies. Committed to the physical and educational development of youth in Brooklyn and surrounding communities; the Alliance will invest $1 million per year in local nonprofits that work to improve the lives of young people in Brooklyn and New York City through sports and other activities, including education and health care.

Matter Communications
Colleen Sheehan, 978-499-9250, x227
colleen@matternow.com