Strong Kids

Invest in a child today!

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 12,000 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 2,880 young teens can participate throughout the Niagara Region. Strong Kids supports Youth Action in 22 weeknight locations plus three Friday Night Drop-In Centres.

Making a Difference

In 2009, your Strong Kids gift will impact lives by supporting children and youth from low-income families including:

• 639 kids in YMCA Day Camp
• 16 children in Child Care
• 2,976 youth attending Youth Action
• 95 young people in Leaders In Training becoming tomorrow's leaders
• 6,643 children and youth in membership programs
• 2,270 children learn skills and have fun in YMCA community programs

A Strong Core

Through the generosity of 400 full and part time YMCA staff and the volunteer Board Members, $52,000 was donated to the Strong Kids Campaign in 2009. This demonstrates a strong core of committed people within our Association. For the 2010 campaign, our goal is to raise $375,000 to support children and youth in need. June Mergl, the 2010 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.

$2,000 - Assists 15 boys and girls to experience a week of camp.

$1,000 - Gives 6 children a chance to participate in a number of programs, such as swimming, youth leadership development and martial arts, for 6 months as part of their YMCA membership.

$500 - Offers Rowan 4 weeks of care at a YMCA Child Care Centre.

$300 - Helps three 14-year olds grow and learn through a 2-week Cousellor in Training Summer Day Camp program.

$130 - Sends Ryan to Summer Day Camp for one week.

$20 a month - Teaches Allison life-long skills and lets her experience a sense of achievement in YMCA membership programs for 1 year.

THANKS TO YOU

Today's children and youth are tomorrow's leaders. June Mergl, 2010 Strong Kids Campaign Co-Chair, is proud to be associated with an organization like the YMCA that is committed to the healthy development of all young people in spirit, mind and body. Thanks to the generous support of people who contributed to YMCA Strong Kids annual support campaign and a team of YMCA volunteers, the YMCA is able to financially assist hundreds 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 lbrady@ymcaofniagara.ca.

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