YMCA Stories

Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s wilderness, YMCA Wanakita’s Outdoor Centre is more than a field trip—it’s an opportunity for students to experience the transformative power of camp. 

On September 5 & 6, eight determined walkers laced up their shoes and set out on a powerful two-day, 72-kilometre journey for the second annual Long Walk Home. 

When Cherrise and James Pinder moved from the Bahamas to Canada four years ago, they came with hope in their hearts and a determination to rebuild their lives—but it wasn’t an easy start.

Nothing says summer like a great barbeque—and this year, Turkstra Lumber Hamilton turned up the heat for a great cause.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the support of The Home Depot Canada Foundation, this spring’s Orange Door Project Campaign raised an incredible $15,132.26 in support of the YMCA’s Youth in Transition Worker (YITW) program.

Written by a YMCA Beyond the Bell™ SupervisorJane* was a last-minute addition to camp.

August 3 marks the first YMCA Day at the Ballpark in Brantford—a celebration of community, sport, and shared values between two local institutions.

Every day, thousands of Canadians pass by a pool or a lake without giving it a second thought. But for Owen and Preeti, stepping into the water has been nothing short of life-changing.

When Rupert first arrived in Hamilton, he was filled with equal parts excitement and uncertainty.