A Humble Spark: Greg Comley’s Unexpected Journey with the YMCA
09-06-2025
Greg Comley never imagined that a job site visit would spark a personal transformation.
As the owner of Route 56 General Contracting, Greg had been working with the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford for more than a decade, overseeing construction and maintenance projects across their facilities. But it wasn’t until he walked into the Flambourough Family YMCA to scope out a job in the gym that something shifted.
“I had never been a big workout guy,” Greg recalls. “At the time, I was close to 300 pounds. But when I walked in and saw people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and abilities working out—doing their thing—it was inspiring. I thought, if they can show up every day and put in the work, why can’t I?”
That moment lit a spark in Greg. Now, when he was working at a YMCA Health, Fitness, and Aquatics (HFA) Centre, he would carve out time to walk on the treadmill and focus on his health. With the help of supportive staff like Chris Marshall, a health and wellness coach at Les Chater Family YMCA, and the encouragement he received every time he stepped through the doors, Greg committed to a new lifestyle. He lost 83 pounds, went gluten-free, and most importantly, found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
“I’m not a super social guy outside of work,” he says, “but the YMCA became a place where I started talking to people, hearing their stories. It’s not just a gym. It’s a community. A family.”
That sense of community grew deeper when Greg got involved with Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH), a fundraising tournament supporting local organizations working to end homelessness. Greg wasn’t asked directly to participate—he simply noticed a poster in the YMCA lobby one day and felt compelled to act.
“I walked in, saw the poster, and told Gen [the VP of Health, Fitness, and Aquatics & Men’s Residence] that we were signing up,” he says. “I told her I’d be the top fundraiser. I hadn’t even started yet—but I just knew.”
True to his word, Greg became the tournament’s top individual fundraiser, raising more than $6,000. It wasn’t about recognition—it never is for Greg. In fact, he shies away from the spotlight. For him, giving back is just the right thing to do.
“The work we do as a company supports organizations like Community Living Burlington, and giving back has always been important to us,” Greg explains. “When you really understand what you’re fundraising for—how it impacts your community—it’s not a chore. It’s something you want to do.”
The tournament was more than just a game for Greg. It was a full-circle moment. He played alongside his two sons—both of whom had worked at the YMCA—and a few coworkers who hadn’t laced up their skates in years. The entire weekend, from draft night to the final whistle, was filled with laughter, connection, and even a few unforgettable surprises. One highlight: a former junior hockey coach reuniting with his old player, NHL alum Brad May, in Greg’s dressing room—an emotional moment that left everyone in awe.
“We had such a great time,” Greg says. “The whole experience brought people together—different generations, families, teammates, strangers. It was something special.”
Greg says his team is ready to sign up for next year’s tournament.
When asked about the impact he’s had, Greg is quick to deflect the praise. He doesn’t want accolades. What he wants is to keep doing what feels right—supporting his community, being part of something bigger, and showing others that it’s never too late to change your path.
“Sometimes all it takes is walking through the right door,” he says.
For Greg, that door just happened to be at the YMCA.
#ShineOn #IgnitePotential #TheYSavesLives
It's because of people like Greg that the YMCA can help those who need it most. When you give to the Y, you’re not just helping individuals—you’re igniting potential and building community. Join us!
