This is the guiding mantra of the YMCA – and the Y certainly provides a wide range of contexts, facilities and services, in which this can become a reality for all who use this wonderful, multi-faceted resource – which is proud to have a current membership of 4,600 members, plus many who purchase day passes, attend free events, and rent space.
More statistics:
CEO Sharon Hayward shared that the programs and services of the Down Town Y impacted over 7,100 people over the past year (2022-2023), in Medicine Hat and Brooks, drawing on a budget of $9.6m, and staffed by 200 employees, 23 registered volunteers and 15 event volunteers.
What kind of impact do they aim to have?
When did it all start in Medicine Hat? In the late 1950s, thanks to the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat undertaking a major fundraising campaign. Incorporation followed in 1966.
Child Care: impacted 664 children over the past year.
The Employment Center offered 12 job fairs, attended by 400 job seekers. The Center’s 14 programs assisted 1,344 people in Medicine Hat and Brooks.
The Y’s programs can be divided into three: Community Programs, Day Camps, and Health Fitness and Aquatics.
On the financial front, the Y raised $116,740 last year, through the Strong Kids campaign, capital/greatest area of need, and events, the latter raising $35,961 of the total.
Turning to the future, CEO Sharon spoke about the Y aiming to expand its impact. In what respects? Included are an increase in licenced child care spaces; sustainability in a competitive market; and increased collaboration with the City of Medicine Hat regarding the possibility of a new recreation center in South Ridge. Clearly, funds development is needed and envisaged, to support all these and other expansions.
Go, YMCA, go! We, the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, are proud to have been instrumental in raising funds for the establishment of the Y and to have been supporters of different initiatives, over the years.
A big thank you to CEO Sharon and all the staff and volunteers, for your dedication and for the spectrum of services you offer, through which you make a significant contribution to promoting the well-being and the development of the potential of residents, at all stages in the life cycle, in our communities.