Eat, get fit, bid, drum or dance for Strong Kids! These are just a few of the fun ways to support children and youth in our community this spring. Check out events listed below, and get ready to build strong kids.

Hockey Jersey Raffle The Great Chili Cook-off 90-Minute Variety Fitness Class Kids Art Auction African Drumming Jamboree So-You-Think-You-Can-Dance

Spring Festival for Strong Kids Raffle for Strong Kids South YMCA Book Sale Zumba! Master Class Camp Chief Hector Family Fun Run Strong Kids Golf Tournament Stompin' for Strong Kids

Strong Kids Hockey Jersey Raffle: We are delighted to share that Lisa Eady, a volunteer at the Shawnessy YMCA, had the winning ticket on April 9. Her name was drawn by Sam Goresht, pictured here with ECY General Manager Nick Wiggins. Sam happened to be renewing his 56-year membership that day! Back to top

The Great Chili Cook-off: There was fiery competition at this event, with seven teams vying for top scores in taste and presentation. Far left is shown "V4: Vital Volunteers Veggie Vittles", a volunteer-based team that cooked up a delicious vegetarian entry. Also shown here is Summer of the Sizzling Senoritas, who was one of many staff delighted to support Strong Kids. Over 150 hungry voters were served, and $126 was raised. Back to top

Kids Art Auction:  The Crowfoot YMCA held a  Silent Auction  for the Strong Kids Campaign April 20 to 24. Eight beautiful, colorful paintings created by preschool program participants were displayed in the lobby where they caught the attention of many passing through.The auction raised $220 for the Strong Kids Campaign. Many thanks to the artists, their teachers, and those who contributed through the auction.  Back to top

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Only Returns. Invest in a Child Today.

The YMCA Calgary Strong Kids Campaign raises much needed financial support for children, teens and families who are unable to afford the full cost of participation in a YMCA program or service.

In 2010, our goal is to raise $875,000 to help enrich the lives of more than 12,500 children and youth in our community this year. All money raised goes directly to children and youth in Calgary so that they can connect and belong, make healthy choices and reach their potential.  

Why is there a need for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign?

In Calgary, children and families face daily challenges. Here’s what we know:

• ALL kids are at risk during after-school hours. These critical hours – the time between the end of the school day and when parents arrive home from work – are when youth are most tempted to participate in high-risk activities such as smoking, drinking or breaking the law.
• Calgary’s economically disadvantaged includes:
  • Over half of all Aboriginal persons
  • Almost half of all recent immigrants
  • Close to one-third of all visible minority persons
  • Over half of all single parent families
  • One-fifth of Calgary’s children

Research conducted by McMaster University has demonstrated that YMCA programs have a positive impact on low-income children, youth, and families, dramatically enhancing their health and overall wellbeing, both today and well into the future.

Where does my money/donation go?

The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign helps one person at a time, one family at a time, or one program at a time.  Your donation might mean providing funds so:

• a child can go to day camp and meet new friends
• a struggling teen can gain confidence and find employment through our community programs
• a child can make healthy choices by participating in a recreation or fitness activity
• teens can have a safe place to go on a Friday night and have fun with their friends
• a preschool child can feel comfortable in new environments by attending a weekly preschool program

As a trusted registered charitable organization, with more than 100 years of service to Calgary, we know that children and youth need to feel valued.

Kids need:

• Positive values
• Caring role models
• Encouragement
• Opportunities
• Fun!

All of which are present in YMCA programs.

See the difference your donation can make.

$6.25/month ($75/year) helps a child learn to swim and provides an opportunity to build a relationship with a positive role model.

$10.42/month ($125/year) supplies a month of healthy snacks for a YMCA School Support class.

$20.83/month ($250/year) lets 83 teens have fun in a safe environment at YMCA Teen Night.

$41.67/month ($500/year) allows a child to experience the wonders of residential summer camp.

$83.34/month ($1,000/year) allows six kids opportunities to learn new things and have fun at a YMCA Day Camp for one week.

$416.67/month ($5,000/year) gives 50 youth – all new Canadians – the opportunity to challenge themselves during their annual weekend at YMCA Camp Chief Hector.

Donate to Strong Kids by:

• Giving a gift online,
• Asking staff at your YMCA Calgary branch for a pledge card, or
• Calling (403) 313-3153 to speak to the administrative director.

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