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YMCA Ottawa - Capital Campaign
Ottawafocus.com Special Contributor, Katharine of Girl About O Town

This girlaboutOtown has found herself a cause, and is definitely ready to get involved!

Recently, the National Capital YMCA launched a Capital Campaign to revitalize the Metro Central YMCA on Argyle St., to expand the Orleans branch, and to redevelop the Y Camps. The “Strengthening the Heart of the Community” initiative aims to raise $35 million in total, and is the single most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the Y, with a target of $15 million to come through community events and personal donations.

I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the National Capital YMCA, which is to “build strong kids, strong families and strong communities”, and I have more than a passing interest in its sustainable well-being. I am a Y parent, you see, so I have an up-close-and- personal understanding of how critically important it is to rebuild the bricks and mortar at the Metro Central Y, in particular. This is a vital focal point for community service at the centre of the city, and it is badly in need of repair.

YMCA Campaign Ottawa

Each and every workday for almost three years, I have proudly left my little girlaboutOtown under the careful supervision of the extraordinary Metro Central Y childcare staff. With patience and sensitivity, this incredible team has provided an open, inclusive, and nurturing environment in which all children - regardless of circumstances - are encouraged to grow, to learn and to develop to their fullest potential.

This is a place where diversity is celebrated,
where self-esteem is built strong, and where values are
witnessed in action simply as a matter of course.

I feel a strong connection to this place and its people. Not only are the childcare programs shaping brighter futures, the Metro Central YMCA also helps more than 14,000 immigrants to settle and adapt to life in Ottawa, and provides essential emergency and second-stage housing for nearly 1,000 people in need each year. All of this while over 40, 000 fitness facility members are maintaining their good health and wellness at the gym, and many more are participating in sports, recreation and learning activities!

These programs and services are making a meaningful contribution to city life here in Ottawa, and have undoubtedly been of enormous benefit us all.

YMCA Ottawa

The Metro Central YMCA is place that has helped our community immeasurably. Now our community can help this place!

To find out more about the campaign, to volunteer or to donate, visit the Strengthening the Heart of Our Community.

To make an online donation right now, click here.

Many more than I will be grateful…

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