Individuals in our community need our help…
We all know how important physical activity is to our well being and that being a part of a community – having a “place to belong” is critical to our sense of being and self worth. Our YMCA ensures that “everyone is welcome” in the program they need regardless of economic circumstance.
When John found himself suddenly alone and fully responsible for his three young children, he didn’t know what to do; “When our family went through some difficulties last year, I was forced to do it on my own. My children went through some trying times, including dealing with varying and inconsistent after school options, not to mention having to be dragged around to multiple activities due to my lack of a family support system.
My YMCA showed me its depth, by assisting me in enrolling my children in after school care programs. We have always been active at the Y but the staff and volunteers sensed our circumstance and assisted me in getting the children just what they and I needed. I was embarrassed that I required help with the fees at first – but I was treated with such wonderful respect and dignity – my kids are like any others and no one knew the difference. I knew that my children were getting the calm, consistent and caring attention and routine they so needed.”
That’s where our YMCA Strong Kids campaign comes in…due to the generosity of all our donors we are able to support families when they need it most. This is possible because of you and me.
I want to ensure families, children and youth have a healthy, active and safe place to be in their community. We want to raise at least $1000.00 to help make this happen. While any gift is much appreciated, you might want to consider making a monthly gift – knowing your investment in others continues throughout the year.
From John, “Thank you – my YMCA was there for me when we needed them – I am now there to help others. Please give generously so that no child is left behind”.
To join me in giving, please click HERE to donate now and make a difference today.
Thank you!
Why give?
So, how does our Y use the funding from each Strong Kids Campaign? We offer many great programs for free to the community such as SHARKS, TAPPS, D.A.S.H., camp as well as support with memberships so that every family has access to a healthier lifestyle.
SHARKS, offers free swimming lessons to all grade three students in the Guelph and Wellington area. This program is teaching children how to swim and is decreasing their risk of drowning.
TAPPS, our Teenage Parents Program, provides support, information, and resources to pregnant and parenting teens. The goal of TAPPS is to support the personal growth of pregnant and parenting teens and their children while assisting teen parents in improving their parenting skills, education and well- being.
D.A.S.H. (Daily Activity in Schools and Home) program was a program launched by the Guelph Y and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. The goal is to increase activity levels, and decrease negative behaviour on the playground through active games and initiatives.
Have you ever been to camp? Then you know how excited a child will be this summer when we offer them a chance to experience friendships and exciting activities they would not be able to experience otherwise due to financial circumstances. We all know how much children enjoy going to camp and we make that wish a reality for many children each year.
Click here to learn more about the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
Skate for Strong Kids
Come out to Market Square on Saturday, February 25th 2012 from 10:00am – 3:00pm to support our Guelph YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign!
YMCA Staff will be in attendance giving out Strong Kids t-shirts and hot chocolate in return for donations that support many YMCA-YWCA of Guelph programs and services.
For more information on the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, please visit www.ymcastrongkids.ca and for more information on Strong Kids events happening around Guelph this month, visit our homepage for the links at www.guelphy.org.
Get involved in your community, get active and support a great cause!
