Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation and Charity of Hope honoured with handball court dedication
19-12-2025
Today, YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford honours the generosity and vision of the Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation and Charity of Hope through the dedication of two handball courts at the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA.
With a pledge of $150,000 over five years, the Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation and Charity of Hope are supporting the YMCA’s commitment to igniting potential and resilience in the lives of young people across our communities. Their investment is focused on evaluating the impact and power of the YMCA’s ecosystem, with a special emphasis on the Pathways to Success initiative. This initiative brings together three vital programs:
Back on Track by the YMCA (formerly Alternative Suspension program), provides support and assistance to students who, for various reasons, are temporarily suspended from school, providing them an opportunity to step back providing a positive and restorative experience.
Be Wise, empowering youth (aged 12-18) to help navigate challenges including mental wellness, school, peers and family pressure, and build resilience.
Enabling Access, removing financial barriers so more young people can benefit from YMCA membership and programs for physical activity, social connection, and community engagement fostering long-term healthy lifestyle habits.
“Together, we can change the lives of young people in our community,” said president and CEO Manny Figueiredo. “The generosity of our donors allows us to assess and strengthen the impact of our youth programs, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”
"These handball courts are where the story of impact began - friends coming together at the Downtown YMCA with a simple idea: when the community rallies around young people, hope grows. Our gift honours that beginning and looks forward, supporting YMCA's Pathways to Success so more youth can make friends, build resilience, and find their footing,” said Sam Mercanti.
“Empowering youth to reach their full potential is at the heart of everything we do at Charity of Hope. Through our gift to the YMCA’s Pathways to Success initiative, we’re helping young people discover their strengths, and take confident steps toward their future. When youth are given opportunities, the entire community benefits,” said Daniele Dagenais, Executive Director, Charity of Hope.
Community members, YMCA leadership and donor representatives gathered to celebrate this milestone and unveil commemorative plaques in honour of these champions of youth development. The dedication of the handball courts is a tribute to the enduring legacy of compassion, hope and opportunity the Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation, and Charity of Hope, have created. Their support helps the YMCA continue to transform communities by supporting children, young people, and families.
