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Almost a thousand local children will be able to access life-enriching Y programs all because the community came together and raised a record breaking $123,000 at the YMCA of Okanagan’s Cycle for Strong Kids event. Nearly 300 riders attended the Y’s largest annual fundraiser on Sunday May 29, raising heart rates and funds through participation in a huge outdoor cycle class.

“We are blown away by the generosity of our community,” exclaims Adria Perron, Annual Giving Manager for the YMCA of Okanagan. “Following 2-years of cancelled in-person fundraising events, we were hoping to reach our $80,000 goal. Throughout the event we were gifted some incredible surprise donations that surpassed all our hopes, raising the most funds ever during a time when our communities most vulnerable families need us the most.”

With 1 in 6 children in the Central Okanagan living in poverty, many families are unable to enroll their kids in everyday activities most take for granted. Through financial assistance made possible by donations, low-income children and youth have equal access to YMCA child care, day camps, swim lessons, health memberships, and recreational and sport programs. These donations also allow the Y to offer barrier-free community services, including employment readiness, mental wellness, afterschool enrichment and alternative suspension programs for high-risk children and youth.

Many generous fundraisers, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors contributed to the events success, presented by Fresh Air and Delcourt Advisory Group at Scotia Wealth Management. Significant surprise donations were received during the event from LMP Property Management, Tom Budd of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation and Brent Marshall from Business Finders.

For more information on the event and to see how you can get involved in next year’s Cycle for Strong Kids, contact Adria.