Dear Friends of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I wanted to share some updates and extend my heartfelt thanks to you for your continued support of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to gather with loved ones and appreciate the things we have. Shortly following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I believe it is also important to take a moment to reflect on our history specifically around the truths and challenges of Indigenous peoples as well as on our future and how we can contribute towards a more just and unified society.
It has been some time since I have last provided you with an update and I wanted to take some time to share with you what your YMCA team has been up to.
To start, I am thrilled to share that thanks to your continued support of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario we are currently at 79% of our annual goal of $432,000.
Our send a kid to camp campaign launched in March with a goal of raising $127,000. Thanks to your generosity we were able to raise an astonishing $170,000 to support our summer camp programs. This summer, we provided 413 weeks of subsidized summer camps for local children thanks to the support of your donations.
I wanted to share some comments we have received from camper families to highlight the impact your kindness has on local families.
“Our family is so appreciative that Y staff took the time to understand our daughter's needs and welcome her. Success!!”
“My two kids love the camp, the staff were very inclusive of my transgender child, using preferred pronouns, names and making him feel safe overall.”
“Tina is excited to go to Y camp each day. Always has a great day. Loves all Staff. Meets new people. All this week when I arrive, Tina has been playing Chess with Bear. Tina has enjoyed this. She lost each game. Still enjoys playing. Bear said she is getting better each time they play.”
We also hosted two successful fundraising events.
Pickleball Tournament
We hosted our inaugural Ignite Potential Pickleball Tournament on July 20th at the newly refurbished Otto Almoslino Courts in Brockville. We had 30 teams from across the region and raised $21,120 for the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program.
Your dollars have directly contributed to people like James being able to access the YMCA.
“Last year after my wife passed away suddenly, I needed a reason to get out of bed and out of the house, a family friend recommended joining my local Y. I never could have imagined the sense of belonging and the friendships I would build there. I am now going to my Y between 5 and 6 times per week enjoying a variety of recreational sports, group fitness classes, the pool and sauna. Thanks to the Y’s subsidy program I am able to afford the fees on my fixed income. I don’t know where I would be today without my Y Family.” - James
Due to the tremendous success of the tournament the YMCA team is already planning for next year’s tournament.
Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament
Our annual tournament hosted in collaboration with the United Way of Leeds and Grenville had record-breaking success this year. Thanks to the generosity of donors and participants we were able to raise an incredible $218,580. Funds raised will be used to provide programs and services to our communities most vulnerable.
Upcoming Events
George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull
Special 10th anniversary event
Saturday, October 19 at 10am
Brockville YMCA
Presented by Burnbrae Farms and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, funds raised will go to the YMCA’s financial assistance program.
Thank you for your continued belief and support in the YMCA. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving filled with joy and peace.
Warm regards,
Rob Adams
CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Emily Wimpenny
Director, Regional Operations and Programs
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
Email: emily.wimpenny@eo.ymca.ca
Mobile: 613-802-8887
OR
Anna Hudson
Executive Assistant and Association Support
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
Email: anna.hudson@eo.ymca.ca
Phone: 613-342-7961 ext. 30
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Charitable Registration Number:
10822-5418-RR0001
