Ontario Trillium Foundation Investment of $55,000 Expands YMCA Volunteer Opportunities
During National Volunteer Week, Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre joined YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford at the Ron Edwards Family YMCA to celebrate a $55,000 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) supporting the expansion of the YMCA’s volunteer program.
“Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, our government is proud to support the YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford as it strengthens its volunteer program,” said Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington. “This funding will help expand volunteer opportunities and support people of all ages in building skills and meaningful community connections.”
Support from OTF advances a key organizational priority to revitalize the YMCA’s volunteer program, beginning with its Health, Fitness and Aquatics centres throughout the region.
Across the association, youth and older adults, including those experiencing isolation, will have access to meaningful opportunities to develop skills, contribute to their community and build a sense of belonging. For youth, this includes completing the 40 hours of community involvement required for secondary school graduation, while building confidence and resilience. Volunteers will support program delivery and enhance the participant experience.
Rebuilding and strengthening volunteer engagement is a key focus of this effort. Prior to the pandemic, the YMCA engaged between 700 and 1,000 volunteers annually across the region. The initiative supports a measured and sustainable return to that level.
“Volunteerism is at the heart of strong, connected communities,” said Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO of YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford. “This investment helps us create more accessible and meaningful ways for people of all ages to get involved, build skills and strengthen the connections that help our communities thrive.”
YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities by connecting people to opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership. In 2025, the YMCA supported more than 95,000 residents across the region while advancing its focus on measurable outcomes in youth development, employee engagement and healthy aging. This work continues in 2026 through targeted investments in programs, partnerships and community impact. Learn more at ymcahbb.ca.
Community members interested in getting involved can learn more about YMCA volunteer opportunities at www.ymcahbb.ca/volunteering.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
