News and Stories

A young teen in swim trucks stands beside a male lifeguard with dark hair in front of a pool. They are smiling at the camera.

Local YMCA finds creative solutions to national lifeguard shortage

While an employee shortage continues to create complications for aquatic centres across Canada — with some even closing their doors — one YMCA is finding innovative ways to find and train more lifeguards.

A professional woman and man are standing together smiling at the camera with an event taking place behind them in a gymnasium.

Community Impact Celebrated at YMCA Showcase

Community members gathered at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC YMCA Showcase event and AGM earlier this month, where they celebrated their charitable impact in 2022. Key highlights included the expansion of the charities child care division, the increasing number of programs serving vulnerable youth, and a focus on preventative health programs to increase exercise adherence.

A group of 30 people are dressed up in costumes and bright colors, and sitting on stationary bikes in an outdoor class. They are all smiling and cheering and holding their hands up in the air.

YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids event to support the growing number of families facing financial insecurity

With an increasing number of Canadians relying on charitable services, the YMCA of Southern Intier BC is hoping to raise $130,000 to help more low-income families.

A female YMCA camp leader runs through an outdoor obstacle course with 6 children, aged 7-9, outside on a sunny day.

Kid gives ‘26 thumbs up’ rating to YMCA Summer Camps

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is ramping up the fun factor this summer by opening more camp spaces to ensure all kids have a ‘26 thumbs up’ summer! Kids participating in Y camps learn something new every day while building physical, social and creative skills through gym activities, swimming, arts and crafts, and indoor and outdoor games.

A YMCA mascot is holding an open box of smile cookies and posing beside a young female Tim Hortons Store Owner who is dressed as a large cookie.

Local Tim Hortons® Owners Challenge Community to the Double Double of Charity during Smile Cookie Week

Double the good- Treat your team to Smile Cookies May 1-7 and the full proceeds will support the YMCA’s Healthy Snacks Program

Alec's Story

This past school year, I had a hard time keeping my grades up and was failing a few classes. My confidence was lacking, and I struggled to cope with everything happening in my life. Unfortunately, I had experienced trauma that was causing me anxiety.