The Y played an integral role in my childhood
As a kid, I only ever saw the Y as a source of pure fun and joy, but as an adult, I see just how much more opportunity it provides. The Y empowers single moms, like my own, to build the lives they want for their families. It also makes it possible for kids to try new activities, to envision more for their futures, and to access caring mentors.
I am lucky to have had a great childhood. The Y played an integral part in this, so much so that I was one of their poster kids in 2000. Growing up, my younger brother and I attended YMCA afterschool care, and camps, and were in Y programs almost every day.
We got to swim, play in the gym, get outside, and do much more than we would have at home. The Y exposed me to many new experiences that I don’t think I would have had elsewhere. I’ve always been highly competitive and passionate about sports, and the leaders helped encourage and foster this in me.
My involvement at the Y, and as a ski coach, has helped me see the importance of exposing kids to new experiences which is exactly what the Y provides. It gives them the ability to envision different outcomes for what they can achieve in life. Without these opportunities, they may have less dreams or hopes for their future.
Another impactful byproduct I witnessed at the Y, was the importance of the leaders. I was fortunate to have trusted adults in my life, but others weren’t as lucky. I saw a lot of these kids find mentors they could confide in at the Y.
To me the Y was so fun, but to others it meant much more.
I grew up with a very strong single mom who worked in a demanding career. She was able to work with the comfort of knowing we were safe, cared for, happy, and fed, in Y programs. We were often the last kids picked up, but we never minded.
Because of generous community support, we were able to access Y programs, while she focused on her career. She worked hard enough to move up to a great position, which enabled her to buy a home and pay for the many activities my brother and I did.
Today, I still play multiple sports and I credit the Y with helping shape who I am. I’ve built myself a rewarding career, and love giving back to my community through volunteering, fundraising, and involvement in a ton of charitable causes.
I see the impact that donations to the Y have in helping families like mine thrive. When you support the Y, you never know who you are helping, and how much they themselves will be able to turn around and help in return.
Today on Giving Tuesday, please consider making a donation to the YMCA of Southern Interior BC to empower children like Jennifer, and help them reach their full potential. Your support will go to urgent and emerging program priorities, including children and youth development, youth engagement, mental well-being, employment services, child care services, and more.
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC was established over 40 years ago as a cause-driven charity with a mission dedicated to building healthy individuals and communities. Donations to the Y help provide equal access to Y programs and services to help community members thrive, no matter their income level.