YMCA Okanagan Ready to Launch 2014 Strong Kids Campaign | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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YMCA Okanagan Ready to Launch 2014 Strong Kids Campaign

GOAL TO RAISE $225,000 TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH LIVING IN THE OKANAGAN

The YMCA believes that every kid deserves a chance to reach their full potential and are gearing up to launch their 2014 YMCA Strong Kids campaign on February 15th.

“Achieving this year’s fundraising goal of $225,000 will ensure accessibility to local child and youth whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from participating,” says Todd Simpson, Campaign Chair, YMCA of Okanagan. “We are working hard to remove the social, physical and economic barriers so that every child can pursue a healthy life, but we’re just scratching the surface.”

Last year, one in four kids participating in a Y program required financial assistance, and that need continues to grow. “Kids are our future and we all have a role to play in providing healthy, safe and positive environments where they can flourish,” says Simpson.

This National Strong Kids Campaign involves all 45 YMCAs and 5 YMCA-YWCAs and kicks-off on February 15th across Canada. The money raised in each community stay’s locally.

“In 2013, thanks to many incredibly generous community-minded donors, the Y was able to positively impact to the lives of thousands of children,” says Allison Ramchuk, Strong Kids Campaign Coordinator. “We are so proud to report that last year 2,195 kids received an assisted membership at the Kelowna Family Y or H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre where many learned to swim; 178 families were provided affordable child care; 201 campers were sponsored to attend Silver Lake Camp or Day Camps; and 7,322 Okanagan kids actively engaged in programs that were partially funded by donors.”

Locally the Kelowna Family Y and H20 will be hosting their first annual Megathon event on March 1st to launch Strong Kids fundraising efforts in their centres. Donors and supporters are encouraged to visit ymcaokanagan.ca to learn more about the local impact of this event and how they can get involved.

About the YMCA in Canada
As a registered charity, YMCA Canada is dedicated to building healthy communities by nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility in order to create lasting personal and social change.

Collectively, YMCAs in Canada serve more than 2.24 million people in more than 1,000 Canadian locations each year. Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life. Through YMCA financial assistance programs and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, the YMCA is accessible to all.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014
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