YMCA releases update on Strong Communities Campaign

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario thanks everyone who has supported the Strong Communities Campaign so far, and is hoping to keep the momentum strong for their annual fundraiser. With the campaign wrapping up at the end of the month, a final push is on to raise the much needed funds that allow the YMCA to subsidize memberships for those in need.

At the halfway mark of this year’s campaign the YMCA has already raised $77,000 of their $100,000 goal. The YMCA puts these funds to very good use, according to a release dated Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.

“One in four YMCA memberships are subsidized through the financial assistance program; we are seeing the need for this support growing by almost 10 per cent as the pandemic continues to take its toll,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “We expect this trend to continue.”

The YMCA says they turn no one away. According to the release, the financial assistance program provides vulnerable members of their communities with access to safe spaces, healthy programs and positive social connections.

Every donation will make a difference whether it is a one-time gift or a monthly contribution.

• $15/month helps a teen build character and the skills needed to reach their life goals in a YMCA youth leadership program.
• $25/month enables a child to develop self-confidence and believe in their abilities by learning to swim.
• $50/month gives a child the opportunity to attend a YMCA summer camp, giving them outdoor experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
• $80/month gives a senior the chance to maintain good health and develop important connections in the community.
• $165/month provides a vulnerable family with an all-inclusive membership to the YMCA so they can be healthy and engaged in their family and community life.

Adams said: “I’d like to give a big thank you to everyone who has already contributed. We are over the halfway mark but need a final push to reach our goal so we can continue to support youth-at-risk, seniors with chronic diseases and others to have better outcomes.”

The campaign runs until Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. Donations may be made online at eo.ymca.ca/donate or by texting YMCA to 41010 to give a gift of $10 or $20.

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario says the are grateful again this year to have donations – up to $32,500 – doubled by The Estate of Larry Gibson.

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 provides 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.