This holiday season, YMCA Calgary is on a mission to raise JOY and ensure that health and wellness is experienced by as many Calgarians as possible through 2023. Tuesday, November 29, 2022, is Giving Tuesday and the YMCA is kicking off the JOY campaign at all six YMCA locations by spreading holiday cheer.

Today, we’re beaming with pride at YMCA Calgary. That’s because Avenue Magazine named our President & CEO, Shannon Doram, one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40. The annual Top 40 Under 40 Award goes to a list of 40 Calgarians, all under the age of 40 years old, who have distinguished themselves professionally and are moving the city forward.

While the YMCA name wears the historical precedent of initially being an organization for young men, it has proudly evolved as a beacon of inclusion. Through decades of growth, YMCA Calgary has continued its mission to create an inclusive space where children can have transformative experiences, including renowned Camp Chief Hector YMCA in Kananaskis west of Calgary.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day, is held annually on September 30th, and is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind.  

This year, Calgary Pride is taking place from August 26 – September 5. Pride is a movement that allows us to not only celebrate our diversity, but also acknowledge the contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, learn about the history of Pride, and continue to learn about DEI initiatives.

The $2 million investment will help increase camp capacity, enabling more Albertans to enjoy the incredible gift of our province’s outdoors.