Playing off the theme of Black Friday, the YMCA is looking for some holiday giving.
Black Friday is the term that started with American Thanksgiving. It’s the day after the holiday, which is traditionally one of the largest shopping days of the year.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is looking to get in on the trend of Giving Tuesday, November 27th. Not for profits across the country are hoping to engage with Canadians on that day to encourage donations.
The YMCA is asking the community to make a pledge to help build healthy communities by making a charitable donation or by spreading the organization’s message through social media.
Beginning on the 27th and through the month of December, the YMCA is asking the question, “What would you give?” to help build a healthier community.
In a press release, the organization revealed a list of things it was able to do with donations from the public last year.
- Over 5,500 children and youth learn important lifesaving skills through YMCA swim lessons
- Over 400 families learn, explore and be active together at YMCA Geneva Park Family Camp
- Over 7,000 children, who received quality child care through the YMCA’s 80 licensed child care facilities
- Over 27,000 members of the community get healthy by joining their local YMCA health, fitness and aquatics centres, where they benefited from customized programs, recovered from illness or injury, and connected with others in their community
- Over 1,400 immigrants receive English language training and YMCA settlement services
“We want people to understand the impact of giving to the Y,” said Brian Shelley, Vice President, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Whether it be connecting people to employment, supporting new Canadians, providing children with child care and swimming lessons or inspiring people to become healthier, every gift to the Y allows us to open our doors to more people and inspire them to reach their full potential.”
Giving Tuesday is in its fifth year, with thousands of partner organizations and millions of Canadians expected to take part. Shelley says they are looking to bring in about $10,000 in donations.
“This will have a huge impact on our ability to continue to support more people in our community, regardless of their background or ability to pay full fees,” he says.
If you would like to find out more about the YMCA and Giving Tuesday you can click here.