Campaign Update #1
Building A Healthy Community… Opening the Doors to Good Health
Stork Family YMCA Unveiled
Building on Tradition
On April 8th, the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA unveiled plans for the new Family YMCA in Waterloo as part of its $8.8 million Building A Healthy Community Campaign. More than 100 close friends and supporters were on hand to celebrate this milestone at a special reception held at the University of Waterloo. To date, the Campaign has raised an impressive $4.5 million.
The award-winning YMCA Outdoor Centre requires an investment of $560,000 to enhance its facilities and programs in order to increase capacity for year-round programming with deeper connections to the Ontario School curriculum – especially the Science and Technology strands. These programs will provide children with more opportunities to learn about the importance of a healthy, sustainable environment. To date, $30,000 has been raised for facilities and program development.
YMCA Camp Has a Positive Impact on Children!
80%
of campers said they made new friends at camp and plan to keep in touch with them.
91%
of campers reported that camp challenged them to learn new things.
97%
of campers felt that their counselors paid a lot of attention to their needs and made them feel important.
Investing in Healthy New Canadians The Newcomer Youth Program provides a supportive social environment for youth who have recently immigrated to Canada that allows them to participate in recreational activities, make healthy lifestyle choices, learn leadership skills, and become integrated into the YMCA and the larger community. The Campaign is hoping to raise $250,000 to expand the program. So far, $45,000 has been raised. YMCA CEO John Haddock, Mike Stork, Board President and his wife Hennie and David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo.
The lead gift to the Campaign is a $2 million donation from Fred (recently deceased) and Ruth Stork. The new Stork Family YMCA will share the building with a district branch of the Waterloo Public Library – a combination that creates synergy and a true people-friendly hub that promotes a variety of healthy growth opportunities. Observes YMCA Board President Mike Stork: “The value of a Family YMCA is in the lives that it touches.” Following the approval of the project budget on April 20 by Waterloo City Council, the project will move to the working drawing stage and subsequently, to public tender.
What Newcomer Youth are saying about the Program:
100% of participants said they made new friends. 84% of participants reported learning about other activities
they can do at school and in the community.
80%
of participants felt there were people and services in the community that can help them and their family, up from 66% at the start of program.
91%
of participants were aware of safe places for them to go in community, up from 66%.
Artist rendering of the Stork Family YMCA to be built in Waterloo, Ontario.
Investing in Healthy Kids Ensuring the future health of our community means providing all of our kids with the tools they need to succeed. That is where the Virtual YMCA comes in. The Campaign plans to raise $350,000 to establish a Virtual YMCA at a school in an underserved neighbourhood. The project will engage 40 youth, Grades 1 to 6, in a consistent and holistic program. Almost $200,000 has been raised for this initiative to date with two Virtual Y’s already operating: St. John’s Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener, December 2007) and St. Peter’s Catholic Elementary School (Cambridge, April 2009). A third site will be opened in Waterloo by 2011 as part of the Association’s strategic plan.
The Virtual YMCA Program is providing children with the skills they need to succeed:
90%
More than of parents and children say they are completing more homework since joining the program.
95%
of parents report that their children show improvement in reading, math and speaking/writing skills. More than two thirds of teachers agree.
80% of children feel that they are doing better. 90% of parents and teachers report character development
Over
opportunities. Children say they are learning new social skills such as giving, peace and responsibility.
80%
Over of parents and children report improved problem solving skills.
93% of children say they are getting more exercise
and eating more healthy snacks.
Today, more than 100,000 people at more than 30 program sites are involved in KW YMCA programs and services. From child care and immigrant settlement, to leadership training and physical fitness, the YMCA has helped hundreds of thousands of people develop new skills and enhance their self-esteem and well-being. Children are a prime focus with more than 50% of our core participants being under the age of 18. With your help, the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA is prepared to make the boldest investment in its history. Research has proven that YMCA programs have a positive impact on low income children, youth and families, dramatically enhancing their health and overall well-being, both today and well into the future. To find out how you can invest in healthy families and support the Building A Healthy Community Campaign, please contact: Kathy Wilson, Vice President Financial Development Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA 460 Frederick Street, Suite 203 Kitchener, ON N2H 2P5 519-584-7479 ext. 216 kwilson@ckwymca.ca
100%
Post Consumer Waste
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA’s Charitable Registration # BN 10757 2687 RR0001
kwymca.org