March is YMCA Strong Kids Month!

During this month, the YMCA reiterates their belief that everyone should have access to better health, enabling this by helping people of all ages move beyond financial barriers. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign currently 1 in 7 members receive financial assistance, allowing them to attend the YMCA programs and services.

"At our YMCA, we are committed to ensuring our community is a place where everyone belongs, everyone is included, and everyone feels a healthy sense of wellbeing." says Gayle Graham, CEO at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. "Last year, we celebrated 140 years of building healthy communities and when we talk about our Y being there for our community, it is important to remember why we fundraise. Financial Assistance may help a senior stay active; it may give a child a life-changing camp experience; it could assist a family when a parent loses their job due to a business closing. The YMCA Strong Kids fundraising campaign helps to eliminate the very real financial barriers local residents face, and without it we would not be able to serve them."

To ensure our YMCA remains accessible to all in our area, helping over 900 people of all ages, our goal is to raise over $75,000 this year. This month, and throughout the year, we invite members of the community to join us in making this happen. Contributions can be made online at ymcaowensound.ca by clicking the 'Donate Today' button in the top right corner; in person at any of our YMCA locations, or mailed in to 700 10th Street East, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 0C6 (cheques made payable to Owen Sound Family Y). 100% of the funds raised will assist families in Grey-Bruce. Donations are supporting positive change on a local level.

Upcoming Events

In coordination with the YMCA Strong Kids Month, there are lots of fun events happening here at your Y this February. Some of the activities offered are FREE for local residents! Come take advantage of these great events and see how our community changes lives. See the next page for the list of events or visit ymcaowensound.on.ca  for more details.

Partner Day - Sunday, February 4
Every few months residents of Owen Sound and Georgian Bluffs enjoy FREE access to the YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility in thanks for the community's help developing our amazing building! With FREE actives for all ages, residents can enjoy a swim, family fun in our gymnasium or a workout in our conditioning centre. View Sunday's schedule online, and find a program perfect for you!

Try a Triathlon In Support of Strong Kids Month!
Sunday, February 11 - First Wave: 9 AM, Second Wave: 9:15 AM
Member: $10 | Public $15
Swim, Bike and Run for 15 mins each and see how far you can go in support of our Strong Kids Campaign! All proceeds ensure people of all ages can access our programs and services, no matter what their financial situation is. Register for your desired time at the Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centre, Welcome Desk or call 519-376-0484!

Family Day - Monday, February 19

Join us for a day filled with Family Activities! Our holiday schedule includes three FREE programs that are open to the public, allowing you to have a family day to remember. Mark your calendars, here are the FREE programs available that day!

• Rec Swim (Both Pools): 1 – 2:30 PM
Everyone can enjoy the water! Try out the slide in the lane pool or have fun with the spray water features in the leisure pool! Toys and equipment are available for use. Please note Pool Admission requirements on our website.

• Family Swim to Survive (Lane Pool, Adult & Child 6yrs+): 2:30 - 3 PM
Family Swim to Survive is an important first step and helps prepare for an unexpected fall into deep water.

• Family Fun: 1 – 2:45 PM
Spend family time being active at the Y! Preschool climbers, a variety of bikes, balls and other fun toys are laid out for all to play with. An adult must accompany and directly supervise children at all times.

For schedules, pool policies and more information please visit www.ymcaowensound.on.ca

source: media release, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce