The Strong Kids campaign, which starts Monday, aims to raise $25,000 to make sure local children and families who are in financial need are able to access the YMCA.
The staff has donated more than $10,000 toward the goal and the YMCA of Northern BC is offering residents several ways to help raise the rest.
The Family Day pancake breakfast takes place Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where the YMCA is open by donation and features special events like face painting and a bouncy train. Breakfast will be available until noon by donation.
The Megathon takes place Saturday, Feb. 27, where participants join the YMCA for an aerobathon, zumbathon, and cyclethon where people can raise funds through pledges. Registration forms are available online or at the Y.
That same Saturday night it's the YMCA Strong Kids Spruce Kings Game Night, where there will be a dance competition and the lucky winner gets a one-year family membership to the YMCA. The 50/50 proceeds will support the Strong Kids campaign.
"We want to provide opportunities for young people to reach their potential, achieve their goals and improve their lives," said Stephanie Mikalishen, coordinator of philanthropic development at the local Y. "Last year, one in five kids coming to the YMCA program needed financial assistance and that need continues. The YMCA Strong Kids fundraising campaign helps to eliminate the very real financial barriers these children face, and without it we would not be able to serve them. We want to provide a healthy, safe, and positive environment where children, teens and young adults can flourish, and the YMCA Strong Kids campaign helps make that a reality."
For more information visit www.nbcy.org.
