YMCA fundraiser exceeding expectations for first time event

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario launched a 100 km Walk, Run & Roll Challenge fundraiser earlier this summer, and participation has exceeded expectations for this first-time event.

“Given the pandemic and many people having been house-bound over the past few months, we thought that people would enjoy setting a goal for themselves to get active,” Rob Adams, CEO of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario said. “Participation has surpassed our expectations with about 100 individuals and groups registered and registrations continue to arrive. With a variety of goals to choose from, it’s not too late to join the fun and raise money for the Y.”

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s 100 km Walk, Run & Roll Challenge runs until Friday, Jul. 31, 2020 and is raising money to support the charitable mission of the YMCA in building healthier communities. Participants can walk, run, wheelchair, bike, roller blade – however they like to be physically active – to complete one of five challenges over two weeks.

The 100 km distance is the main event and is symbolic of the distance between Brockville and Kingston YMCA facilities. There are four distances set at 25, 50 and 100 km, as well as a Super 200 km Bike Challenge, which represents a “round-way trip” between both Y facilities. Groups can also participate in “relays,” adding distances travelled by group members toward their goal. The cost to register is $20 and participants have the option to fundraise as well.

With one week left, the Y has raised $22,900 of its $30,000 fundraising goal.

“We’ve received great feedback on the challenge. Participants are loving the opportunity to set a physical goal, some for the first time ever, hoping to improve their fitness. One of our core values is inclusivity, a value we care deeply about. That’s why we created the challenge to be as flexible as possible so everyone can participate,” Adams said.

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario would like to recognize the generosity of their sponsors: St. Lawrence Pools, Subaru of Kingston and McDonald’s Restaurants.

About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provide safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula, and offers fitness and other programs including SCUBA, Karate and Total Life Care – specialized programming for individuals with chronic conditions.