YMCA set to kick off Strong Kids Campaign

YMCA News Release

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The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign is officially underway starting Friday, February 8th, 2013. This year’s campaign has confirmed that Anthony Rota will be the Honorary Chair.

“I am most pleased to lend my support to this great campaign to do what I can to help generate community support,” stated Rota.

“I see the importance of participation in my own daughter and I fully support the principle that physical activity is a right not a privilege. There are those in our community who do not have the means to be able to participate in programs at the YMCA and I am supporting this program because I feel that the lack of financial means should not be a barrier to participation.”

This year’s campaign will be kicked off with a corporate lunch held at the Elks Lodge.

“It is our hope that the corporate community, as well as members and individuals, will seriously consider supporting this campaign as it has a year round impact on the quality of life for our citizens”, said Campaign Chair Mike Croghan. “This campaign is an investment in our community, but can only be successful with the support of our members and citizens.”

A highlight of this year’s campaign is the YMCA Cross-Canada Challenge where participants will be encouraged to log their workout time and track it on a map of Canada, to be posted in the YMCA. For every two hours a participant works out, they will be credited with travelling across one province. We encourage members and the public to get involved with this fundraising program and collect pledges for the Strong Kids Campaign.

During 2012, the YMCA of North Bay was able to provide approximately $220,000 in assistance to children, youth and families in the community. Access to childcare, camp, recreation, fitness and swim programs are made available as a result of the Strong Kids Campaign.

“This is one of the most important programs we run at the YMCA”, stated CEO Kim Kanmacher. “As a charitable organization, the YMCA has an obligation to do whatever it can to build a healthy community. Every kid deserves a chance. Our team at the YMCA strongly supports this program because we have seen first hand, the tremendous impact that it has on individuals and families.”

You can register for the challenge or make donations at the YMCA or online at www.ymcastrongkids.ca. For more details, visit online or call the YMCA at (705) 497-9622.

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