A Summer Update from the YMCA of Eastern Ontario Member Update

Dear Members and Friends of the Y,

As another school year comes to a close and summer begins, I wanted to take a moment to share a few updates from across the YMCA and thank you for the role you play in helping our communities thrive.

Like many families, ours has been celebrating a milestone this month. Jean and I were proud to watch our son, Declan, graduate from Grade 12. This fall, he will be attending Trent University to study History, but before then he and his older brother will be heading off on a backpacking adventure through Poland, including visits to several significant Second World War sites in and around Krakow.

As we prepare for a summer of family gatherings, time outdoors, and getting ready to send our youngest off to university, it’s a reminder of just how quickly these years pass. It’s also a reminder of how important it is that young people have opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.

That is one of the reasons summer camp matters so much.

Before I share more about camp, I also want to thank you for your generosity.

Thanks to the incredible support of our members, donors, volunteers, and community partners, we have already reached 35% of our 2026 Annual Campaign goal of $440,000. Every gift helps create opportunities for children, youth, adults, and families across Eastern Ontario, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.

Pictured above:
Rob Adams, CEO YMCA of Eastern Ontario, Barrack, Kingston Frontenacs and Emily Wimpenny Director, Philanthropy and Brand, YMCA of Eastern Ontario
 
Across our communities, more families are facing financial pressure, and too many children are sitting out summer. For many families, the cost of camp puts these experiences out of reach.

Yet camp is about so much more than activities. It is where confidence grows, friendships form, and a sense of belonging takes root—moments that can shape a child long after summer ends.

That is why we are currently raising funds through our Give the Gift of Camp campaign. I am thrilled to share that once again, the Estate of Larry Gibson has generously committed to matching donations up to $50,000. Every dollar donated will have twice the impact, helping more local children experience the confidence, belonging, and joy that camp provides.

If you are able, I hope you will consider making a gift. Together, we can ensure that more children in our communities experience a summer filled with possibility rather than a summer spent sitting out. We are also excited to be preparing for our inaugural East Coast Summer Picnic on July 5. Hosted on the beautiful front lawn of Maison Maitland and featuring celebrated Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, this special evening will raise funds to launch a new FREE Work Hard Eat Well summer camp in Leeds and Grenville in 2027.

This new program will help provide children and youth with access to healthy meals, physical activity, mentorship, and meaningful connections during the summer months. Tickets are selling quickly, and sales close June 28. I hope you will consider joining us for what promises to be a memorable evening in support of a meaningful cause.

Get your seat at the table today:
https://East-Coast-Summer-Picnic.eventbrite.ca

As always, thank you for being part of what makes the YMCA such a special community. Whether you are volunteering, donating, participating in programs, or simply cheering us on, you are helping create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

On behalf of everyone at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, I wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable summer.

Warm regards,

Rob Adams 
CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario