Fundraising Goal: $3 million
Countless kids have discovered their potential and charted a new course in their lives by accessing safe, welcoming, and inclusive Y programs. Like so many others, you might even have your own Y story.
We nurture potential through exceptional learning and development programs, safe and reliable child care, youth leadership programs, and opportunities to play, connect, and grow.
By providing a healthy and connected start in life through Y programs, the next generation across Southwestern Ontario is going to do amazing things.
Children and youth have missed a lot during the pandemic. We are here to help them reconnect with each other and stay active! Learn more about EarlyON Child and Family Centres here.
An Important Message to Our Donors
Unlike other donation platforms, Zeffy does not charge transaction fees, so your entire donation goes directly to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. However, the platform does give you the option to add a tip to help Zeffy keep running its services. If you don’t want to add a tip, in the confirmation message, just choose “Other” in the drop-down menu and then enter $0.
Child & Youth Statistics
At one point in the pandemic, only 5% of Canadian children were meeting the minimum requirements for physical activity
70% of mental health challenges have their onset in childhood or youth
1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a mental health challenge
17% of children in Canada live in low-income households, a threat to their long-term well-being due to the impact of early childhood development on health
Sources: SWAHN Community Health Profile, Angus Reid, Statistics Canada, Fraser Institute, LPRC
You can make a gift to support the potential of the next generation:
$1 million to provide financial subsidy so children and youth can access health and wellness programs
3,700 child and youth memberships that are subsidized
$700,000 to support, celebrate and grow youth leadership and employment programs
$700,000 to provide critical upgrades, playgrounds and expansions of children and youth facilities
$600,000 to give kids a healthy start through our Resource Houses, Community School Programs, EarlyON and Family Centres
At our EarlyON Central Stroller Walk I met a first-time parent and their child. The parent felt some hesitation because it was the first time they had joined a playgroup. As we began walking, they were quick to open up and respond to questions about their pregnancy and journey with their child. They recounted the struggles they had encountered and how they reached out for support.
The parent was worried about returning to work in a couple weeks, because the child was heading off to child care. Since the child was born during the pandemic, they had minimal interactions with the outside world. Feeling more connected, the parent and child continued to join our EarlyON playgroups.
In the last few weeks, we have been able to see the child go from rocking back and forth on his hands and knees, to crawling in the grass! The best part of watching his growth, was how it confirmed for the parent they were doing an amazing job raising the child. I have noticed the parent’s confidence in their abilities has increased and they now feel comfortable leaving the child in child care to return to work.
Lori, Y Staff