The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is calling on the community to support our YMCA Strong Kids Campaign which ensures kids and families who have a financial need are able to access YMCA programs and services in our communities. This Spring, we have a goal of raising $25,000 for the Campaign.
The YMCA believes that every child deserves a strong, healthy start, regardless of their circumstances. A family’s health should not be determined by the size of their bank account. YMCA Strong Kids helps children and families access programs which increase physical activity, provide good nutrition and safe places to connect, play and learn, regardless of their ability to pay. The YMCA gives children the opportunity to belong to a supportive community while improving their physical, mental, emotional and social health. With the support of YMCA financial assistance programs and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, approximately 11% of our members were able to access the YMCA in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created extra needs in our community and within the YMCA. Now more than ever, our community needs the YMCA, and our YMCA needs our community. Whether it’s job loss, the ability to work due to childcare, cost of living, or finding housing, families in our communities are facing difficult times. Having safe, fun and healthy activities for kids and families during this time can make a big impact in their lives. By donating to the Strong Kids Campaign, you could give a child life-saving skills through swim lessons, a teen an opportunity to gain confidence at camp, a parent a much-needed break through physical activity, or a grandparent time to socialize and live a healthier life.
What you’re really giving is a turning point in someone’s life.
“We want to provide opportunities for young people to reach their potential, achieve their goals and improve their lives” says Gayle Graham, CEO at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “The YMCA Strong Kids fundraising campaign helps to eliminate the very real financial barriers these families face, and without it we would not be able to serve them. We want to provide a healthy, safe and positive environment where children, teens and young adults can flourish, and the YMCA Strong Kids campaign helps make that a reality.”
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce provides a wide variety of programs that help people live active, healthy lives. Much needed community-based programs and services in the areas of health, fitness and aquatics; child care; youth leadership; and camps offer youth opportunities to grow in the type of healthy, caring environment all young people need and deserve.
The YMCA accepts donations all year. To make a donation, visit our website at ymcaowensound.on.ca and click the red Donate Now button, visit the Welcome Desk at our Health, Fitness & Aquatics (HFA) facility, mail in your donation to our HFA facility (please make cheques payable to the Owen Sound Family Y.M.C.A.), or contact us at 519-376-0484 about sponsorship opportunities.
source: media release, YMCA of Owen Grey Bruce
