Owen Sound, ON – August 21, 2014 – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is excited to announce that they have received a $10,000 donation from the Gore Mutual Foundation. This donation is made in celebration of Gore Mutual Insurance Company's 175th anniversary. The gift will allow YMCA-Rotary Camp Presqu'ile to add to their fleet of boats.
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce works in partnership with the Rotary Club of Owen Sound to operate Camp Presqu'ile .
This donation will enable YMCA-Rotary Camp Presqu'ile to add more kayaks and canoes to their existing fleet. This waterfront program is one of the most popular activities for children to experience during their time at camp. This donation enhances the program and creates more opportunities for campers to enjoy kayaking and canoeing.
"The significance of this donation goes well beyond boats," says Andy Barnard, Camp Presqu'ile Director . "This generous gift from Gore Mutual Foundation will allow YMCA-Rotary Camp Presqu'ile to build our waterfront program, an integral part of the camp experience. Over 375 children who attend this camp annually will benefit from enhanced boating programs."
"As we honour Gore Mutual's 175th anniversary, our Foundation continues a long history of supporting communities across Canada," says Heidi Sevcik, President and CEO of Gore Mutual Insurance Company. "Partnering with YMCA Canada and their camps is a natural fit, as they share our passion for building leaders of tomorrow and fostering an appreciation for our great Canadian wilderness."
Camping is core to the YMCA offering and provides children, teens and young adults with life development experiences. Camp provides children the opportunity to engage with each other and the natural environment in ways that build confidence, social skills and independence while having fun. Central to the camp experience, boating provides water safety development and skills, encourages team work and the discovery of nature.
"We are honoured to be working with the YMCA to provide a much needed supply of boats," says Charlie Cipolla, Chair of the Gore Mutual Foundation and Chair of the Gore Mutual Board of Directors. "We recognize the important skill development that goes along with boating and water safety and are pleased to be able to support that for young campers."
This donation to the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is part of Gore Mutual Foundation's larger donation to 17 YMCA overnight camps in British Columbia and Ontario. The total $175,000 donation will go towards the purchase or repair of 175 boats.
Gore Mutual Foundation's 175 year 'commitment to community' is well aligned with the YMCA's dedication to building healthy communities for over 160 years.

SOURCE - YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce