The YMCA of Northern B.C. aims to raise $60,000 by the end of its annual Strong Kids campaign, launched Tuesday.
The money will help families in need send their children to YMCA camps, such as Camp Kanannaq and Aurora Leadership, and participate in such programs as YMCA Beyond the Bell.
“The charitable sector has been hard hit by the pandemic, yet we know the community’s need is great right now," YMCA-NBC CEO Amanda Alexander said. "We need help now more than ever."
The MEGATHON is a major part of the campaign. Set for Sat., March 13, this year’s event will look a little different than previous years as the event is hosted online.
It will begin with classes over Facebook Live in the morning - links will be posted in advance - and follow with participants pursuing the Get Active Challenge checklist - to be released one week prior to the event.
Earn entries for prizes for each $10 raised and each challenge item completed. Grand prize is a Nintendo Switch.
“At the Y, we believe that health is a right, not a privilege," Alexander said. "So, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. We subsidize over $300,000 annually. It is our YMCA Strong Kids fund that makes that support possible.”
Donations can be as little as $25. A donation of $105 gives a family in need an all-inclusive membership to the Y, $215 pays for a child's attendance at Camp Kanannaq and $485 gives a teen a place at Aurora Leadership.
Last year, the campaign raised $40,695 and helped 164 children This year's campaign runs until Aug. 31.
For more information go to nbc.ymca.ca.
