Community Impact

Aidan was a 6-year-old boy whose ADHD affected his life in many ways including his time with his friends. He was scared to put his head underwater and often felt left behind while watching his friends’ swim. While searching for help for Aidan, his parents heard that donations to YMCA Calgary provided financial support to help families register their kids in YMCA programs . After qualifying for financial assistance, they were able to register Aidan in swimming lessons at YMCA Calgary. The staff took extra care to ensure their approach helped Aidan stay engaged and learning in the class.
2 months later and Aidan is now a confident little swimmer. His mother says, “not only will Aidan now put his head under water, but he does it like he has been doing it for years”. He has confidence in the pool and swims on his front, back and side across the length of the pool.
* name changed for confidentiality.

Life was going great for Kathy*. Her family was healthy, happy and weekly they spent quality family time at their local YMCA in Calgary. Her kids loved swimming, skating and rock climbing. Kathy even started to give back to the community and became a YMCA volunteer.

Everything changed when Kathy went through a challenging divorce and significant change in her financial situation. She had to start from scratch including going back to school and working part time. Kathy knew that she could no longer afford their YMCA memberships but knew that being connected and active at the YMCA was essential for helping her and her daughters get through a very stressful time. She never thought she would be in the situation where she needed financial support from the very place that she had purchased memberships and programs for years.
Kathy felt uneasy asking for financial assistance, but when she eventually decided to reach out to YMCA Calgary for financial support, Kathy and her two children were welcomed with open arms.

As she began to rebuild her life, the YMCA continued to provide a healthy and positive environment for Kathy and her children to belong, grow thrive and lead… Kathy said their YMCA time is part of how they are thriving through this time of transition. “The YMCA is so much more than a gym- it’s a community. My Y membership has truly saved my mental health.”
* name changed for confidentiality.

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Aidan was a 6-year-old boy whose ADHD affected his life in many ways including his time with his friends. He was scared to put his head underwater and often felt left behind while watching his friends’ swim. While searching for help for Aidan, his parents heard that donations to YMCA Calgary provided financial support to help families register their kids in YMCA programs . After qualifying for financial assistance, they were able to register Aidan in swimming lessons at YMCA Calgary. The staff took extra care to ensure their approach helped Aidan stay engaged and learning in the class.

2 months later and Aidan is now a confident little swimmer. His mother says, “not only will Aidan now put his head under water, but he does it like he has been doing it for years”. He has confidence in the pool and swims on his front, back and side across the length of the pool.

*Parent of financially supported 6-year-old with ADHD who was previously scared of the water