NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is taking part in GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
On Dec. 3, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is asking the community to make a pledge to help build healthy communities by making a charitable donation or by spreading the organization’s message through social media.
Beginning on GivingTuesday and throughout the month of December, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is asking the question “What Would You Give” to help build a healthier community? Last year, with the help of community donors, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka supported:
- Over 2,200 children and youth develop outdoor and social skills, make friends and have fun in a safe environment by attending YMCA day and overnight camps.
- Over 5,000 children who received quality child care through the YMCA’s 80 licenced child care facilities.
- Over 27,000 members of the community get healthy by joining their local YMCA health and fitness centre, where they benefited from customized programs, recovered from illness or injury, and connected with others in their community.
- Over 1,700 immigrants receive English language training and YMCA settlement services.
“The work that the Y does is very much dependent on the generosity of our community. A charitable donation to the Y helps a child go to camp, connects families to YMCA programs and services, inspires people to lead healthier lives, and allows the Y to develop supports for our most vulnerable populations. By giving to the Y, you are building a healthier community for all,” says Brian Shelley, Vice President, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
Just as Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, GivingTuesday is the opening day of the giving season. In its sixth year in Canada, GivingTuesday continues to gain traction across the country, with thousands of partner organizations and millions of Canadians expected to take part, supporting the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live.
“Last year, one in five YMCA members received support through the YMCA’s financial assistance program, ensuring that access to the Y is affordable for those facing financial barriers,” said Shelley. “Thank you in advance to everyone who supports the Y's efforts to build a healthy community on GivingTuesday – your donation is changing lives.”
This year, donations to the Y on GivingTuesday can be designated to the YMCA in general or to any of the following community initiative funds:
- Capital Campaign for the new Barrie Y
- Capital Campaign to support the redevelopment of YMCA Geneva Park
- YMCA Camp Kitchikewana's Endowment Fund
- Support the Y's international partnership with the YMCA of Sierra Leone
To make a gift or to learn more about how to get involved, please visit www.GiveToTheY.ca. Share stories and join the GivingTuesday conversation on social media by visiting the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Facebook page or follow @YMCASM on Twitter and Instagram using #GivingTuesdayCA and #YMCASM.
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