Staff at the YMCA of Northern BC believe so strongly in giving all kids access to the facility’s programs and services, that they’re putting up their own money…
In launching the 6th annual ‘Strong Kids’ fundraising campaign, CEO Amanda Alexander says staff have already raised $10,000 towards this year’s target of $25,000.
Alexander says ‘Y’ staff see, first-hand, the value of strong kids. “They believe tremendously in the need for kids to connect with nature – that financial barriers shouldn’t prevent kids from active, and healthy, and engaged, and creating good friendships.”
Both Mayor Lyn Hall and local MLA Shirley Bond were on-hand for today’s campaign launch. Mayor Hall thanked the ‘Y’ for all the work it does in the community, but for the ‘Strong Kids’ program, in particular, which gives kids and their families an added incentive to participate.
Bond says the program levels the playing field for kids. “It’s to make sure that we live in a community that cares for one another, that makes sure that children who would not have this great experience – that they get a chance to do those things.”
With one in five children requiring some form of financial assistance to participate in local programs, the Y’s Coordinator of Philanthropic Development, Stephanie Mikalishen, says this year’s fundraiser will send 105 kids to summer camp, ensure memberships are subsidized, and transportation costs to the pre-school program are covered.
The Y is hosting a by-donation Family Day pancake breakfast at its Massey Drive facility between 9am and 2pm on Monday to publicly launch the fundraiser. Donations can also be made online. (click here)