Brockville & Kingston, ON – The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is delighted to announce the results of the 2022 Strong Communities fundraising campaign – an amazing $550,000 raised on a $400,000 goal!
“I am so grateful that so many individuals have seen the impact that YMCA programs have in our region and have dug deep to support people of all ages in our community, said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Because of these very generous donations many individuals have been helped directly in so many ways.”
The focus of the Y’s 2022 campaign was Strong Communities. Strong Connections.
The message was about the power of relationships. The need to feel part of something and be with others was perhaps never more felt than during and following the pandemic.
Donors provided the wherewithal for many in our region to able to connect with each other as well as to address other serious issues like food insecurity and the isolation felt by many teens, youngsters, seniors and families.
Impacts included:
As amazing as these numbers are, they tell only part of the story. Here are just a few of the comments that individuals have shared with us. In their own words, this is what donors’ support really means to people.
Bill’s Y Story: Health and friendship
After breaking some bones and being too sedentary for too long, I could not walk 30 feet on any incline without having to stop to catch my breath. Upon joining the Y, my physical abilities were discussed with the trainer who gave me a personal exercise program based on my ability and what goals I would like to achieve. Improvement sneaks up on you. All-of-a-sudden, 15 reps are easier than the 10 you started with. My biggest benefit from coming here is the family I have joined. The class celebrates various holidays that makes you feel like you are part of a family. This family feeling is carried over by the greetings I get from the front staff when I sign in. [It] brightens my day! My biggest “mini-miracle” from this class is climbing the 10 levels to the top of Hotel Dieu parkade without running out of breath!
Andrea and Brenna’s Y story: The joys of summer camp
My daughter Brenna who goes to Molly Brant Elementary School was fortunate enough to have been selected for camp. She absolutely loved the camp from the delicious lunches that I wish I had, to the amazing councillors "Bowzer” and “Elsa." She always had new stories to tell and would be so tired from all the walks. Thanks so much again for making my daughter's summer a super special one.
Leslie and Carter’s Y story: Work Hard Eat Well
I just wanted to say thanks for working it all out [so Carter could attend Work Hard Eat Well last night]. He would have been devastated [had he not been able to attend]. Carter has been excited all day!! He is usually a shy guy and is just starting to come out of his shell so I’m really glad he wanted to attend! He has nothing but great things to say and says he can’t wait to go back next week. He comes home covered in sweat and for a little boy who normally doesn’t wanna leave his game, that’s amazing!! Again, thanks so much for making it work!! (P.S. His sister was quite happy he brought home an extra pizza sub.)
Teen Y stories: Tales of courage
The following are comments from some of the teens who attend our drop-in programs. Names have been changed to respect privacy.
The 2023 Strong Communities Campaign
This year’s Strong Communities campaign, which is how funds are raised to provide financial support to give more people access to YMCA programs, will kick off in spring with an announcement of the Y’s new fundraising goal and the beginning of the Send a Kid to Camp fundraiser.
Please also mark your calendars for our two principal fundraising events.
“On behalf of the staff and volunteers at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, I’d like send a most sincere thanks to everyone who donated for helping us to achieve our charitable mission that is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and to their sense of responsibility to each other and the global community,” Adams said. “Thanks also on behalf of the many, many people our donors help through their selfless commitment to others. Their desire to help makes a difference to so many!”
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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 specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Teen Night, Teen Drop-in and Total Life Care. www.eo.ymca.ca
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing & Communications
YMCA Eastern Ontario
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca
613-888-9298
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca