Strong Kids

Every Kid deserves a Chance!

You can help to financially assist children and youth to participate in the Y. Your charitable contribution to the Strong Kids Campaign will help enrich the lives of over 13,500 children and youth who would otherwise not be able to afford to participate in a values-based, recreational YMCA experience.YMCA programs help children and youth build confidence, develop skills and form relationships. Youth Action offers a safe, positive environment where 3,000 young teens can participate throughout the Niagara Region. 

Making a Difference

In 2012, your Strong Kids gift will impact lives by supporting children and youth from low-income families including:

• 680 kids in YMCA Day Camp
• 825 children in licensed Child Care
• 3,000 youth attending Youth Action
• 6,000 children and youth in membership programs learning skills like swimming and leadership
• 75 teens in YMCA Leader Corps programs

A Strong Core

Through the generosity of full and part time YMCA staff and the volunteer Board Members, nearly $67,000 was donated to the Strong Kids Campaign in 2011. This demonstrates a strong core of committed people within our Association. For the 2012 campaign, our goal is to raise $375,000 to support children and youth in need. Leanne Standryk, the 2012 Strong Kids Campaign Co-Chair notes, "I'm proud to be part of a campaign that makes a difference in the lives of so many children - providing kids with opportunities, and in turn building 'strong kids, strong families, strong communities'."

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Your Gift

The YMCA partners with families and donors to make participation and learning through YMCA programs a reality. All assisted families also contribute financially to have their child attend YMCA programs.

$5,000 - Opens the door to one YMCA Youth Action Drop In program in a school for hundreds of youth in their local neighbourhood.

$1,000 ($83/month) - Can provide a family with a full-range of YMCA programs for one year - it's a chance to develop confidence, become healthy and belong to a community.

$600 ($50/month) - Can change a child's life at a YMCA Child Care Centre.

$240 ($20/month) - Supports a teen to participate in leadership development programs; building their skills, character and self esteem.

$120 ($10/month) - Enables a family peace of mind as their child attends a week of day camp in a fun, nurturing and safe environment.

THANKS TO YOU

Today's children and youth are tomorrow's leaders. Doug Howe, 2012 Strong Kids Campaign Co-Chair, is really excited to have the opportunity to help make a difference in so many children's lives by working with Leanne to provide the necessary financial assistance that helps one person at a time, one family at a time or one program at a time.

Leanne Standryk says, "I am inspired by the commitment and generosity of our campaign volunteers, donors and staff who have positioned our YMCA to reach out to over 13,000 children who are financially assisted by the YMCA. Coming from a large family, I know the importance of a positive role model, a caring environment and values based experiences on the development of healthy children - and our YMCA fits the bill!"

Thanks to the generous support of over 2,400 people who contributed to YMCA Strong Kids annual support campaign and a team of YMCA volunteers, the YMCA is able to financially assist thousands of youth whose families would otherwise be unable to afford to participate. With your help the YMCA can have a positive impact on the lives of youth by providing:

• a safe, nurturing environment
• a sense of belonging
• a positive role model to look up to
• acceptance by others
• opportunities to learn new skills
• friendship, fun and a chance to laugh together
• an environment that fosters the YMCA of Niagara's core values of caring, respect, honesty, responsibility, health and inclusiveness
• an opportunity to develop themselves as leaders
• a chance to build their self-esteem and self respect.

The YMCA believes that investing in the development of youth today will help build strong families, which in turn will build strong communities. To become involved or find out more, contact Lauri Brady (905) 646 9622 ext. 327 or Email.

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