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YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka creating new community fund

$12M Forward Together Fund coming as a result of Geneva Park sale; Orillia will be the first to be engaged, followed by other communities in the region
2022-12-01-jill-tettmann
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka CEO Jill Tettmann announces the release of the YMCA’s 2021-22 annual report at the organization’s annual general meeting Nov. 30.

NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka marked its first in-person annual general meeting (AGM) and annual celebration in nearly three years on Wednesday evening.

The annual celebration included a presentation of the YMCA's new three-year strategic plan and the creation of a new community fund, which has been approved by the board of directors.

The Forward Together Fund will help ensure the long-term viability, sustainability, and growth of the YMCA, said YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka chief executive officer Jill Tettmann.

“We continue to be focused on the long-term strength of our YMCA and our ability to serve the diverse needs of communities across the County of Simcoe, and the districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound for generations to come,” confirmed Tettmann. “The Forward Together Fund will help us fulfil that commitment by providing a long-term source of funds for our association.”

Initial investment income generated by the fund will be used to support YMCA programs and services across the region, according to the priorities in the Y’s new three-year strategic plan, which include:

  1. Cultivating a great place to work and volunteer
  2. Strengthening the legacy of the Y for future generations
  3. Connecting people to meaningful experiences where everyone belongs
  4. Promoting the power of the Y

The YMCA’s board of directors, which is made up of representatives from across the region, will be responsible for managing the fund. The $12-million fund has been created using the net proceeds from the sale of Geneva Park earlier this year.

As part of a region-wide engagement strategy, starting in January 2023, initial priorities for the fund will be determined, starting with those whose access to YMCA programs and services has changed.

The Orillia community will be the first to be engaged, followed by other communities in the region.

“We look forward to future conversations with Orillia about how we can serve the needs of this important community,” said Tettmann. “As always, we welcome any future discussions on opportunities to work together to provide additional services to the community, and we remain open to partnering with organizations and municipalities.”

Board chair Todd Young, who officially took the helm at the AGM, said the board is looking forward to learning about the dreams and goals of community members.

“We believe our YMCA has an important role to play in the future of the region, and we intend to deliver on that responsibility with input from our communities so we can meet emerging needs in the best possible way.”

Young also noted that not all funds will be spent over the next three years.

“The fund also helps provide security to our association’s long-term sustainability across the region so that we can continue to be as responsive as possible to new community opportunities in the future, as well.”

The AGM and annual celebration events were attended by over 100 people and also celebrated long-service staff, ranging from one to over three decades of employment with the YMCA.

The YMCA’s new strategic plan can be found on their website, ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/strategic-plan-2022, and more information on the upcoming Forward Together Fund engagement process will be shared with communities in 2023.

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