Niagara Moves for Kids: Community Comes Together to Support Local Children and Youth

NIAGARA, ONTARIO, April 17, 2026 – On Saturday, April 11, communities across Niagara came together in a powerful show of support for children and youth through the YMCA of Niagara’s annual Move for Kids event.

From early morning classes to family-friendly activities, participants of all ages showed up ready to move with purpose. Across the Niagara Centre YMCA in Welland, Niagara West YMCA in Grimsby, Port Colborne YMCA, and Parkway Social in St. Catharines, the energy was felt in every space, as families, local businesses, community partners, municipal leaders, and YMCA staff joined together to make a difference.

Thanks to that collective effort, this year’s event raised nearly $35,000 in support of YMCA programs that help children and youth across Niagara grow, connect, and fulfill their potential.

Throughout the morning, participants took part in a wide range of activities, from group cycle and fitness classes to pickleball, bowling, and the new Family Pool Party offered at each YMCA location. Live on-site coverage from Giant FM helped bring the energy of the day to the broader community. Whether it was a first-time participant or a returning team, every movement contributed to something bigger.

Behind every moment of the day is a deeper purpose. Across Niagara, too many children and youth are facing barriers that limit their access to opportunities, connection, and a sense of belonging. Events like Move for Kids help change that by creating spaces where young people feel supported, build confidence, and see what is possible for themselves.

“Move for Kids is a reflection of what happens when a community comes together to support one another,” said Christian Wulff, CEO of the YMCA of Niagara. “This year’s support shows just how much people care about creating opportunities for children and youth across Niagara. The funds raised through this event help us continue to remove barriers so more young people can access programs, build confidence, and feel like they belong.”

As the 2026 Community Champion sponsor, Scotiabank played a leading role in bringing Move for Kids to life across Niagara, helping to create opportunities for children, youth, and families throughout the region.

The YMCA of Niagara extends its gratitude to everyone who participated, supported, volunteered, and contributed to this year’s event. Because of this community, more children and youth across Niagara will have the opportunity to try something new, build confidence, and feel like they belong.

Media contact:

YMCA of Niagara: Jen Schmaltz, General Manager, Marketing and Communications
[email protected] | 904-246-7478

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Niagara Centre YMCA

The Welland Jackfish showed up at Niagara Centre with their signature energy. And yes, even a fish can ride a bike when it’s for a great cause.

Niagara Centre YMCA

Mayor Frank Campion of the City of Welland stopped by the Niagara Centre YMCA to show his support for Move for Kids and the impact it creates for local youth.

Niagara Centre YMCA

Live coverage from Giant FM, with Rob Leclerc joining in, helped bring the spirit of Move for Kids beyond the building and into the broader Niagara community.

Port Colborne YMCA

City of Port Colborne staff showed up strong as the Port Colborne Pedalers, bringing community pride and positive energy to Move for Kids in support of local children.

Port Colborne YMCA

Big smiles and great energy from Sally Jane Southern, Centre Manager at the Port Colborne YMCA, and her engaged fitness participants at Move for Kids.

Niagara West YMCA

Tamara’s Little Mermaids brought energy and creativity to Niagara West, showing how fun and connection come together for a meaningful cause.

Niagara West YMCA

Participants wrapped up a group cycle session at Niagara West, celebrating a shared effort in support of local children and youth.

Niagara West YMCA

The Grimsby Firefighters showed up in a big way at Niagara West, presenting their support for Move for Kids alongside Brandon Tufford, Centre Manager at the Niagara West YMCA.

Niagara West YMCA

Hands up and energy high, the Niagara West class brought movement and momentum to the day.

Scotiabank Community Champion Sponsor

Scotiabank, Community Champion sponsor for Move for Kids, brought their team together at Parkway Social, showing what it looks like to support children and youth across Niagara.

Parkway Social Bowling

“Let your potential shine” set the tone at Parkway Social, where bowling participants came together in support of children and youth across Niagara.

Parkway Social Bowling

Municipal leaders from the City of St. Catharines came out to support Move for Kids, reinforcing the importance of community partnerships. Pictured left to right: Councillor Robin McPherson, Councillor Bill Phillips, Mayor Mat Siscoe, and Councillor Mark Stevens.

Parkway Social Bowling

Representatives from the Fort Erie Brain Injury Association, Austin Kozlowski and Betty Talbot, and Ridgeway Lioness, Sam Tomlinson, came together with Mayor Wayne Redekop in support of Move for Kids and the impact it creates across the community.

Family Pool Party

From inflatable sharks to big smiles, YMCA Aquatics Staff helped make the Family Pool Party a fun and welcoming space for families to connect and enjoy the day.

Family Pool Party

The Family Pool Party added a playful energy to the day, creating space for families to connect and take part together.