‘CommUNITY’: YMCA of Northern BC launches new annual fundraising campaign

The YMCA of Northern B.C. is launching a new annual campaign focusing on vulnerable members of the community. 

The organization has modified its annual campaign, formerly known as the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, to become the new YMCA CommUNITY Campaign.

The YMCA says this shift is to adapt to the realities of a still-changing world and funding priorities it has modified its campaign to better reflect the current need and wishes for community.

“The pandemic has had significant impact to our programs and services and the people we support so the funds we raise provide support for the COVID-19 recovery so the participants, our members and our programs can best meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Amanda Alexander, CEO, YMCA of Northern BC.

The new campaign has options for donors to give to one of three designations which include ‘where needed most’, financial access, and COVID-19 Recovery.

“The generous donors to the Y, including our incredible YMCA staff, volunteers, members and participants, helped us continue to deliver essential services, and to directly support vulnerable people in the community who are in need of some extra help during these tough times,” said Alexander.  

The organization says the pandemic has affected everyone at the YMCA and it has pivoted to tackle the various emerging and changing needs of the communities it serves.

Many of the programs at the Y are subsidized which allows for more people to access the services it provides to the community.

Alexander said that 1 out of every 5 people that access the YMCA facility in Prince George are financially subsidized.

The YMCA of Northern BC is a charity of over 400 staff and volunteers working together to strengthen the foundations of community through promoting healthy living, fostering belonging, inclusion, and connection and helping, children, families, and seniors thrive.

The Y has everything from child care services, to camp programs and community health services, employment services, recreation and health and fitness services.