Countless people have been impacted by their experience with the YMCA. Many of those people are more than happy to share their stories. Here, you'll find testimonials about child care and camp, and a range of stories that describe the incredible impact that YMCA programs and services have on the people who benefit from them.
Child Care Testimonials
YMCA Wanakita and Camp Chippewa Testimonials
YMCA Stories
A young mother finds balance and sets goals
Jacquie was shopping for a crib, playpen and diapers when other teens her age were buying college and university text books. MORE...
YMCA programming working out great for mom and toddler
Laura discovered the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA after moving here from Scotland. She was new to Hamilton and found the YMCA to be a friendly... MORE...
Round and round she goes helping others
Julia wants to ensure that all kids have an opportunity to enjoy YMCA programming. That’s why the Hamilton girl participates in the annual YMCA Strong Kids Hula-Hoop-a-Thon at her YMCA after-school program. MORE...
A child’s self-esteem reaches new heights
Kennedy brought home something very special from YMCA Wanakita – newfound confidence. MORE...
Gord Skinner leaves a strong impression
The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford lost a longtime friend on Nov. 17, 2010 with the passing of Gord Skinner at age 95. His 85-year tenure at the YMCA is believed to be among the longest memberships in Canada. MORE...
The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford believes that every child deserves the opportunity to experience summer camp. That’s why, when Hemophilia Ontario approached several camps in hopes of developing a program for children with this rare bleeding disorder, YMCA Wanakita showed bravery and integrity by stepping up to the plate. MORE...
A brother and sister thrive at their YMCA after-school program
Jackson, 8, and his sister Clara, 7, look forward to the school bell ringing at the end of the day so they can go to the Virtual YMCA – an after-school program designed to give children the support and skills needed to make good choices, improve their grades and become leaders. MORE...
Physiotherapy at the YMCA—who knew!
Twelve-year-old Kevin was born with a mild case of cerebral palsy, causing the left side of his body to be weaker than the right. A regular exercise program at the YMCA helps him build and maintain strength on his weak side. YFit4U is an exercise program specially designed for kids with physical or developmental disabilities. MORE...
Colombian family finds refuge and support with the YMCA
Luz and Carlos needed child care they could trust in order to pursue English classes, seek work and build a better life for themselves and their three children, David, Linda and Luna. They immigrated to Canada from Colombia, where it’s common practice for extortionists to blackmail business owners by demanding money in exchange for protection. MORE...
Vaidik and his big sister Stuti were eager to embrace life in Canada after immigrating to Brantford with their family. They joined a week-long summer program especially for immigrant children where they enjoyed favorite Canadian pastimes including swimming, bowling and visiting their local YMCA for children’s programming. They also learned important lessons like bike safety and rules of the road. MORE...
Joining in didn’t come naturally to John– a withdrawn 16-year-old who signed up for the YMCA’s Leader Corps program for youth ages 10 to 18 because he needed volunteer hours to complete his high school diploma. “I was quiet and shy. I wouldn’t talk to people,” recalls John, now 26. MORE...
