February 20, 2026 – Kingston Ontario
On Friday, local MPP Ted Hsu met with the team at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario to celebrate a $29,800 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that supported the launch of a new Karate program at the Kingston YMCA.
"No kid should have to worry about the cost of sports or whether they belong. This funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation helps the YMCA keep children focused on fun, eases financial pressure on families, and creates a space for kids to come together and play,” said Ted Hsu, MPP for Kingston and the Islands.
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Above: Senior Director, Programs and Community Impact Brittiney Poffley, General Manager Kingston Tracy Vallier, MPP Ted Hsu, CEO Rob Adams and Director, Philanthropy and Brand Emily Wimpenny.
The funding has helped expand access to inclusive, skill-building physical activity for children and youth, supporting confidence, discipline, and overall well-being while reducing barriers to participation. The grant was used to support program start-up costs, including equipment and resources required to safely deliver the Karate program. The new offering strengthens the YMCA’s ability to provide diverse and accessible recreation opportunities that respond to community needs.
“The Karate program at the Kingston YMCA was launched in response to strong community interest in structured, skill-based physical activity for children and youth,” said Rob Adams, CEO of YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Its early success, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario is proud to continue offering this program, deepening its impact by creating opportunities that build confidence, foster connection, and support lifelong skills.”
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that is passionate about creating opportunities and advancing the well-being of the communities we serve. We do this by developing healthy and successful people who in turn create a positive impact in their neighbourhoods. The Y is Ontario’s largest non-profit provider of childcare with trademarked curricula. It offers fitness, aquatics and other specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Total Life Care, the Student Impact Program and others.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Emily Wimpenny
Director, Philanthropy and Brand
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
Phone: 613-802-8887
Email: emily.wimpenny@eo.ymca.ca
