The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign is focused on raising much needed financial support for children, teens and families who are unable to afford the full cost of participation in a YMCA program or activity.

 

According to statistics Canada (2005), 5219 children in Cambridge live in poverty, with a total family income below $12,300. This is the group of young people who we have the greatest opportunity to serve.  Our YMCA programs have proven to have a positive impact on children living in difficult circumstances by dramatically enhancing their health and social well-being.

 

The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign helps one person at a time, one family at a time, one program at a time.

 

With the support of our donors, sponsors and funders last year we were able to

• send 44 kids to 77 weeks of camp

• provide 1842 people financial assistance to enjoy the benefits of a membership

• allow 1500 youth to access the Z Beside the Y

• serve 1067 immigrants

 

In 2008 it is our goal to raise $111,000 for the Cambridge YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.  This goal represents a 25% increase over last year’s goal.

 

Click here to learn more about the province wide YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

 

Join the Turnbull family in supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

The Turnbull family knows the benefits of being active with the YMCA.  They are representing people giving to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign because they believe every family deserves access to YMCA programs and services.

 

“Through my involvement at the YMCA as a volunteer and a donor, I have met hundreds of people who I have seen develop and grow into good citizens of this community.”  Lindsay Turnbull

 

Linda believes at the Y everyone is equal whether you’re a CEO of a company or someone struggling to make ends meet.  “The Y provides access to all regardless of income” Linda Turnbull

 

 

A YMCA Success Story

It isn’t hard to notice the difference in 14-year-old Ben Noble since becoming involved with the YMCA. Not too long ago a shy teenager with a keep-to-himself attitude, Ben has become more outgoing and easy to talk to in many aspects of his everyday life.

It was just last September when Ben’s parents encouraged him to become involved with the YMCA’s Youth Centre after seeing an ad in the paper.

The ‘Z’ beside the ‘Y’ is a youth leadership development centre fully accessible to any youth between the ages of 13 and 17. Like the ‘Y’, it strives to create a strong community by offering different activities and opportunities to youth.

Initially only involved with the centre’s Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) program, Ben has since taken advantage of other drop-in services and opportunities the Youth Centre has to offer.

“I am here every chance I get,” says Ben.

Ben's Mom Linda is thankful to the ‘Z’ for being there during a trying time for Ben and the Nobles. “We have had a really challenging year and I don’t think Ben would have gotten through it as easily without the ‘Z’,” she says.

Her gratitude is especially apparent toward the opportunities given to teens at little to no cost, because of generous donations from businesses and individuals. “The past six months have been financially tight but Ben has been able to do and see so many things at very little cost to us.”

Both Linda and Ben’s father, Dennis, hope to see Ben continue with his dedication to the ‘Y’ even as an adult, in order to enhance his leadership and self-confidence and for him to continue helping others.

With still quite a few years until he is 18, Ben is sure he will continue to take advantage of what the ‘Z’ has to offer.

But this can only continue with your help.

In 2008, the youth centre needs to raise $20,000 to continue to operate. Please help Ben and the other 1500 youth that are served by making a charitable donation of $100, $50 or even $20 to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. You can do this today by clicking on the 'Donate Now" button right on this screen.

Every donation, no matter how much, will make a difference in the lives of youth like Ben Noble today and in the future.

Thank you for supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

 

Thank you to Stevenson & Hunt for generously sponsoring the Cambridge YMCA Strong Kids Campaign