YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford

For 60 years, YMCA Wanakita has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its Student Counsellor (SC) Program—a transformative experience that fosters confidence, resilience, and community leadership. Today, with our leadership spaces in disrepair we must rebuild and modernize our facilities to better serve young people and meet the evolving needs of leadership development.

The YMCA Wanakita Leadership Centre will be a sustainable facility designed to provide an immersive learning environment where young leaders develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and social responsibility. This centre will enhance the SC Program’s impact and solidify YMCA Wanakita as a national leader in youth leadership training.

 

Ways To Give

 

Planned Giving

Kids smiling in the water

Planned Giving is the process of making a gift to help provide long-term support for a charity while also solidifying your legacy in the community.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Laing, Alumni Relations Development Officer
905-317-4945
ashley.laing@ymcahbb.ca

One Time Donation

Group of kids sitting in front of counselors

Your support can make a lasting impact. Contributions can be directed toward specific areas within the Leadership Centre or given broadly to support the project as a whole. 

Donate Today

Naming Opportunity

Concept art of the indoor of the Wayne Perkins Centre

Naming opportunities are available and offer a chance for donors or sponsors to leave a lasting legacy by having key areas - such as room and areas - named in their honor.

More information coming soon

Who is Wayne Perkins?

In the summer of 1954, a ten-year-old Wayne Perkins arrived at YMCA Camp Wakonda in Saskatchewan.

This experience would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey within the YMCA, eventually leading Wayne to become a prominent leader whose influence reached far beyond Canadian borders. His journey, grounded in the values of inclusivity, respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring, has left an indelible mark on YMCA communities across Canada and beyond.

Click Here to learn more.

Amount Needed

 

To bring this vision to life, we seek to raise $4 million to fund the construction and development of the new Leadership Centre, which will include:

 

  • Updated facilities to enhance experiential learning.

  • A dedicated space for Truth & Reconciliation initiatives, including an Indigenous History Library.

  • Expanded programming to support leadership development aligned with today’s societal needs.

  • Year-round hub to enhance programming and increase capacity for post-secondary leadership groups and act as an instructional space for winter activities
     

Learn More About The Project

A Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation

Wanakita is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory. We recognize the importance of integrating Indigenous history and perspectives into our leadership curriculum. With guidance from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the Leadership Centre will incorporate Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action in youth education, language, culture, and environmental stewardship. 

 

Want to learn more?

Contact Ashley to learn more about how you can support this transformational initiative. 

Ashley Laing, Alumni Relations Development Officer,  
Phone: 905-317-4945
Email: ashley.laing@ymcahbb.ca 

                             

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