YMCA of Eastern Ontario

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Register for this Year’s George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull for the YMCA News Release

Brockville, ON -- The YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s annual fire truck pull has become a community favourite with teams raising money for the Y’s financial assistance program while competing for bragging rights. This year’s event will be held on October 16 at Brockville YMCA.

For the second year, and in partnership with Burnbrae Farms, the YMCA is pleased to recognize George E. Smith’s lifelong contribution to the health and wellness of the Brockville area in naming this community event, The George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull.

George was a long-time volunteer at the Y, as a chair and president of the Brockville and Area YMCA Board of Directors, as a committee member helping to raise funds for a new Y building, and as a member and chair of many annual giving campaigns. He was named the YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 2008, receiving the Dr. Stanley “Y” Values Award.

“George’s leadership in Brockville was felt widely and his guidance was appreciated by many community leaders who sought him out for advice. On a personal note, I was privileged to meet with George and Jean in my early days as the CEO in Eastern Ontario and to benefit from his wisdom,” Rob Adams, CEO of YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “It is with great pleasure that the Y is able to recognize George in a public way, highlighting his lifelong contributions, not only to the Y, but to many in the Brockville area. We are grateful to the Smith family for granting us this opportunity.”

The George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull raises funds for the YMCA’s financial assistance program that provides support to those in our community who would not otherwise be able to access the Y’s programs and services. The need in the community has grown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “Many people don’t realize that the Y is a charity and that one in every four memberships is supported by your donations that make financial assistance possible” Adams said. “The Y is open to everyone and someone’s ability to pay for a safe, inclusive space and access to healthy programs should not be based upon someone’s ability to pay.”

Get your team together to participate in this fun event and help raise money to help your Y help build a stronger community. Deadline to register is October 14. Covid protocols will be in place.

For more information on the event, to become an event sponsor or to register your team visit the Y’s website or contact Anita Mercier, director, relationship & fund development, at anita.mercier@eo.ymca.ca.

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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 provide 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 programs including SCUBA, Karate and Total Life Care – specialized programming for individuals with chronic conditions.

For information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing and Communications
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca
613-888-9298