Help us Build Healthy Communities

Dear Friends of the Y:

This is a difficult time for everyone including charities like the YMCA, which have been hit hard by the necessary closures.

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario had made the decision to close before the provincial announcement because the safety of you, the children in our care, and our staff and volunteers was the most important consideration to take into account.

We announced that all payments have been suspended during the closure and are today reaching out to you to tell you that we appreciate any support you are in a position to give.

We have taken many steps to reduce our costs including: deferring mortgage and loan payments; turning off the heat to our pools; and working with our vendors, where possible, to forgive, waive, and defer payments. We are exploring government support packages as they are announced.

However, there are costs that remain. Maintaining facilities is critical so we will be in good shape to ramp up programs and services when it is safe to do so. Utility bills and security services must also be paid as well as a critical few staff positions that remain to ensure we are maintaining our operations. After reduction measures are taken into account, costs run at about $100,000 per month.

Your gift to the Y of all or part of your membership fees during the pandemic closures will help us to phase in programs and services that much faster when doors open. Donations of $20 and more will receive a charitable tax receipt.

You may make your donation one of two ways:

1. Emailing member services to donate your fees each month while we are closed, or
2. Visiting our website to make a direct donation.

The email for Kingston is: membership@kingston.ymca.ca.

The email for Brockville is: yba.ymca@brockville.ymca.ca.

I would again like to thank our members who have offered to donate their membership fees to the YMCA. As a charity that supports children and families in our region, we are very grateful for your recognition of the value we provide to our communities.

I hope you are staying connected with us through our Facebook and Twitter pages where we post family-friendly activities, at-home workouts, and links to the new YMCA at Home website with YThrive workouts, kids activities and wellness support.

Although we cannot say when our doors will re-open, we want you to know that we’re thinking of you and can’t wait to see you back with us.

As always, please reach out with any comments or questions you have.

Sincerely,

Rob Adams

CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario