For many the YMCA is a gym; for others it’s child care, or swim lessons, or an employment coach, or a youth support worker. But no matter how someone uses the YMCA, our goal is the same—promote equity and improve the health and well-being for every member of our community.
With the Y Saves Lives Campaign, we will raise $25 million to double our impact from 270,000 to 550,000, ensuring that everyone has the chance to live a healthy life, with meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging.
We want to give more people a chance to shine. But we can’t do it without you.
Will you join us in saving more lives in our community?
Campaign Priorities
Priority 1 – Young People and Families, $16M
Give young people and families the skills and opportunities for success
From child care to supporting seniors, the Y is here for community members throughout their lives. We are here when they need us most, helping to establish the fundamentals for healthy, thriving futures. We offer an ecosystem of support: programs that improve physical and mental health, support success at school, and offer mentorship and work experiences that prepare young people for employment. These services are more important than ever. Our community members are facing increased challenges in the post-COVID world. With your help, we can double our impact on youth and families.
Priority 2 – Centres of Community, $8M
Space to belong, connect, and find community
YMCA Centres of Community provide safe places to connect people to the essential services they need to thrive. To ensure the long-term vitality of our centres for generations to come, we must invest in important upgrades such as roof replacements, HVAC updates, aquatics centre upgrades, and accessibility improvements. This will enable the Y to continue to offer welcoming facilities to serve increased participation and our diverse community. With your help, we can create the places where people thrive.
Priority 3 – Seniors, $1M
Supporting healthy, engaged living for our seniors
Canada’s seniors are the fastest growing demographic in the country. Their needs are different than in the past – they are living longer but also expecting to remain active and engaged in their communities. That’s where the Y makes a life-changing difference. The Y's LiveWell is an evidence-based community health partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. LiveWell programs target improving health outcomes for those with chronic conditions, focusing on secondary prevention, self-management, and easing the transition from hospital to community. And there’s another benefit to growing these programs at the Y. Studies show that programs that blend generations help all ages – they diminish age-related stereotypes on both sides, strengthen communities and lead to improved services for children and older adults. With your help, we can reach more seniors – serving 20,000 in the next five years – and bring the full complement of LiveWell programs to all five Centres of Community.
