2018 Gratitude Report to Donors - YMCA of Greater Toronto
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2018 Gratitude Report to Donors
Greater
Toronto Our donors:
Inspirational acts of generosity
Mission that are creating real impact
The YMCA of Greater
Toronto is a charity offering
opportunities for personal
growth, community I love learning about what inspires As a donor, you make this lasting impact
involvement, and leadership. members of our community to support possible. You’ll find that the donors
the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Each featured in this year’s Gratitude Report
generous donor, like you, has a different are as diverse and unique as the people
life experience, background, and who come through our doors. And that
connection to the YMCA. Yet each each one shares our YMCA values of
Vision one knows that, through the power of
giving, they’re providing individuals and
caring, responsibility, respect, honesty,
health, and inclusiveness. I hope you find
Our communities will be home families with opportunities to overcome their stories as inspiring as I do.
to the healthiest children, challenges and realize their potential.
teens, and young adults.
At the Y, we believe that every single act With gratitude,
of giving matters. This past year, 15,412
donors made a difference, allowing us
to provide the safe, inclusive spaces that
Values people in the community depend on for
support. As a result of their generosity,
The YMCA of Greater Toronto the Y continues to be a place where
is guided by values that people can overcome challenges. Where Medhat Mahdy
influence our actions and the they can build up resilience and grow President & CEO
decisions we make: Caring, strong—physically, mentally, and socially. YMCA of Greater Toronto
Health, Honesty, Inclusiveness, And where they can achieve happiness
Respect, and Responsibility. and well-being.
On the cover: Along with their family, Syrian refugees Assia Al Hawa, 12 and Omama Al Hawa, 8, have found
acceptance, belonging, and community at the YMCA.
2 3
also looking forward to volunteering
and taking part in the YMCA Newcomer
Leadership Development Program. “It’s
going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward
to making new friends,” says Ric.
While they enjoy using the Cooper Koo
Family YMCA, the family is anticipating the
opening of the newest YMCA Centre of
Community. The Kingston Road YMCA is
currently under construction in the heart
of their east-end community. As Tara puts
it, the community currently lacks a shared,
inclusive place where residents can come
together. “We’re a diverse community that
needs a hub,” she says. “Residents are
excited for what the new Kingston Road
YMCA is going to provide—opportunities to
integrate, engage, and get active.” Ricardo’s
also looking forward to the new Centre. “No
Tara George & Ricardo Vigliano doubt people will support each other more,
MONTHLY DONORS feel more included, which will have a huge
impact—it’s going to be great,” he says.
Inspiration to give:
Fostering a sense of inclusion in their community Seeing the Y invest in the community
has inspired Tara and Ricardo to become
monthly donors. “Your gift to the YMCA
For as long as she can remember, Tara Today, Tara and her partner, Ricardo educational system. As a parent, I really pays real dividends to the community,”
George has been going to the YMCA Vigliano, and his son, Ric Vigliano, are appreciated that,” he recalls. Tara says. Ricardo sees a clear connection
where she got a healthy start at a members at the Cooper Koo Family between what you give and what
child care program. She attended the YMCA. “It’s a place of community and As for Ric, the Y has been a safe place you receive. “When you invest in your
Y’s day and overnight camps, where belonging, where you’re accepted for allowing him to explore his independence. community, you’re investing in your own
she discovered her independence and who you are,” says Ricardo. Tara agrees. “Ric’s tried new things, and he’s always well-being,” he explains. Ultimately, they feel
confidence. And, as a teen, she joined “Everyone is welcome, belongs, and is excited about them,” says Ricardo. His confident their support will have an impact:
her family in getting active at their local equal here,” she adds. Tara enjoys taking parents trust that the staff and members “Our donation is well used—the Y leverages
Y. Tara’s mother was a YMCA swimming part in AquaFit and connecting with will make him feel welcome when he visits every dollar so that those in need really
instructor, who taught young adults living other members. Ricardo’s Y experience the Y on his own. “He’s figuring himself benefit,” Tara says. “If more people knew
with cognitive-development impairment started when he left Brazil to start a out in a new country and language,” says that the Y provides financial assistance to
the lifesaving skill. “At the Y, I learned to new life in Canada. “I attended a few Tara. “Here, Ric can find his confidence those who need it, they would be inspired
swim before I learned to walk,” laughs Tara. newcomer settlement sessions at the Y. and discover what it means to feel that to give, too.”
“Watching my mother teach helped me They really helped me settle and integrate, he’s a part of his new community.” Ric’s
understand and value inclusivity.” especially when it came to navigating the
Ricardo, Tara, and Ric at the Cooper Koo Family YMCA.
4 5
House, a place for 25 LGBTQ2S+ youth
experiencing homelessness, who live
together in a caring and fully supported
community for up to two years. “We’ve
worked with so many charities, yet
we didn’t know this unique Y existed!”
explains Ross.
“We were amazed to learn about what’s
happening at YMCA Sprott House—youth
have incredibly personalized plans to
help them achieve goals they’ve set for
themselves,” says Wayne. “I’ve had family
members require help from the shelter
system. The supports the Y provides are
vital,” he adds.
Ross Slater & Wayne Smith Along with making a donation, Ross and
YMCA SPROTT HOUSE DONORS Wayne also volunteer at YMCA Sprott
House. “The Y helps us feel connected
Inspiration to give: and engaged with our giving. With the
Supporting youth who identify as LGBTQ2S+ staff of YMCA Sprott House, we’re able to
and are experiencing homelessness leverage our professional coaching skills
to help those who are helping others,
Ross Slater and Wayne Smith met in and Wayne donate to grassroots Toronto. But, after learning about the which creates a multiplier effect,” explains
Toronto, yet the couple’s story didn’t charities that support the LGBTQ2S+ Y’s work with youth identifying as Wayne. “It’s about capability cultivation—
start here—both grew up in different community. “As part of the LGBTQ2S+ LGBTQ2S+, they decided to take a leveraging the talents and collective
parts of the province. Drawn to the community, it’s a way of supporting closer look at a charity that was actually energy of the staff, to help them become
city’s vibrant, diverse, and inclusive who we are, which is important to us,” a part of both their upbringings. more impactful,” adds Ross.
communities, today they proudly call says Wayne. “We’ve always looked for “Generation after generation of my
it home. “Over the years, I’ve watched small charities that allow us to have a family has been going to the Y—it’s As Ross and Wayne continue to work
Toronto grow, enjoying the freedom big impact,” adds Ross. From Toronto where I learned to swim,” says Wayne. with YMCA Sprott House staff, they’re
and options it provides. It’s a great People With AIDS Foundation to Fife Ross spent his Saturdays at the Y. “As also exploring ways to get the word out
place to live,” says Ross. Wayne agrees: House, LGBT Youth Line, Rainbow a kid, it was the place to go. I did Judo about the programming’s impact. “The Y is
“What I love about Toronto is that Railroad, and Inside Out LGBT Film lessons, swim lessons, gymnastics, and creating a community of shared support,
every neighbourhood has its own Festival, among others, the couple crafts—everything,” he says. acceptance, and inclusion that is needed
unique flavour—when you visit, you feel continues to explore ways to make an to support LGBTQ2S+ youth in this city,”
like you belong.” impact through charitable support. Since getting to know the Y again, Ross says Ross. Wayne agrees. “They’re helping
and Wayne have grown to appreciate young people find balance in their lives—
In an effort to foster this sense The couple didn’t initially anticipate how progressive, inclusive, and impactful we want to help others discover what
of belonging among others, Ross supporting the YMCA of Greater it is. They also discovered YMCA Sprott we’ve learned about the Y.”
Ross and Wayne in their east-end Toronto home.
6 7
home,” explains Lucy. “So, we turned to the “One of the great things about the Y is
YMCA, which gave us a sense of belonging. that, as a donor, you’re actually able to
We were in a big city, yet at the Y we participate in, go to, and be a part of each
felt like we were part of a small, caring new YMCA Centre of Community. You’ll
community again.” have a direct impact, which is an almost
unique capability for your philanthropy,”
For Lucy and Richard, the Y’s value of he says. Ultimately, Richard believes
inclusion is what ultimately inspires
“
them as donors. “It’s very important to
provide a safe, inclusive environment The Y is the magic glue that
for everyone—for youth experiencing holds a community together—
barriers, newcomers looking to integrate, it’s a place that respects and
individuals identifying as LGBTQ2S+, reflects the values of the
visible minorities, and Indigenous
individuals and families who
”
peoples,” explains Richard. “The Y plays a
big role in providing a welcoming place, come together there.
vital programs and services, all while —Lucy Lawlor
being extremely efficient.”
that YMCA Centres of Community will
Lucy agrees. Having volunteered at a drop- help change the face of the GTA. “As the
in program for young children, she saw population grows and neighbourhoods
what happens when people come together change, the Y will be best positioned to
in inclusive spaces. “The Y is the magic meet the needs of our communities as they
glue that holds a community together— arise, for many decades to come,” adds
it’s a place that respects and reflects the Richard. “They’re creating an environment
The Lawlor-Nesbitt Family values of the individuals and families who
come together there,” she says.
that provides every person, regardless of
the challenges they face, the opportunity
STRONG START, GREAT FUTURE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS to succeed.”
As Chair of the $100 million Strong Start,
Inspiration to give: Great Future Capital Campaign, Richard Today, Lucy and Richard are teaching
Providing programs and services for those in need, is motivated to meet our communities’ their daughters, Lilly and Olivia (who are
when they’re most needed growing needs for greater access to YMCA attending university) about the importance
programs and services across the GTA. of giving back to their communities, just as
When it comes to their upbringing, Lucy looked out for one another, supported By volunteering his time and lending his their parents taught them. “Through our
Lawlor and Richard Nesbitt have a few one another, and there was a great deal of strong leadership, Richard is helping the Y family foundation, we engage our whole
things in common: they both come from connection, acceptance, and inclusivity.” realize its vision of reaching more people family in making charitable decisions,” says
large families, lived in small towns in in more communities across the GTA. “It’s Richard. “Our hope is that our daughters
Ontario, and were raised by parents who The importance of community stayed with through philanthropic partnership that will carry on our philanthropy, ultimately
taught them that, regardless of how busy the couple when they started their own the Y is going to achieve its objective taking over deciding how they want to
their households were, they could always family. When Richard’s career saw them of building 10 new YMCA Centres of contribute to the community.”
find time to give back. “Volunteering is move from New York to Toronto with their Community,” explains Richard.
encoded in our DNA,” explains Lucy. “We firstborn daughter, then three-years old,
grew up in tight-knit communities that they needed a welcoming place to go. “We
embraced everyone,” adds Richard. “People were in a hotel room, looking for our new
Lucy and Richard at home in Toronto with their daughters Lilly (left) and Olivia (right, holding Bocce).
8 9
Julia Selby of Food for Tots
YMCA KIDS CHALLENGE SPONSOR
Inspiration to give:
Providing young children with a strong and
“ By contributing to the growth of
strong, healthy, and confident
“Our purpose is to enrich the lives of the
children in the communities we serve, by
offering healthy, delicious food. Coming
healthy start in life children today, we’re helping together with the Y allows us to extend
them become strong, healthy, our impact substantially—through our
When it comes to supporting the The importance of ensuring all children and confident adults tomorrow, partnership, we’re able to live out our
community, employees at Food for Tots receive a strong, healthy start in life is what who will help shape our mission of enriching lives. This alignment
”
don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. ultimately drives Food for Tots to sponsor communities in a positive way. is why we love working with the Y,”
Literally. Since 2015, the Food for Tots YMCA Kids Challenge. “All children need explains Julia.
—Julia Selby,
team has ‘stepped up’ as the title sponsor to have access to quality nutrition—a Vice-President of Business Development,
of the YMCA Kids Challenge, which sees full tummy helps set them up for a good Food for Tots For Julia, her motivation for supporting the
approximately 20,000 YMCA kids and day, where they have the energy to get youngest members of our community is
staff walk to help create more spaces for active, play, learn, and have fun,” says Julia. ultimately about ensuring a brighter future
children and families at the YMCA. Modelling good eating habits is important for everyone. “Contributing to the growth
too, she adds. “At the Y, kids are able to of strong, healthy, and confident children
Not only does the Food for Tots team learn and model good nutritional practices today means they’ll grow up to be strong,
generously sponsor YMCA Kids Challenge, that they’ll carry throughout life.” healthy, and confident adults tomorrow,
they also participate. Come rain or shine, who will help shape our communities in a
Julia Selby and her team are there, hand in positive way.”
hand with the Y’s littlest fundraisers. Even
last year’s weather didn’t dampen their
enthusiasm. “Many of our staff, including
myself, go out to YMCAs to walk alongside
the children—it’s always an inspiring event!”
says Julia. “
This year, Julia helped organize a large
team of Food for Tots employees to do
a grown-ups-only walk near their head
office in Markham. “It was sunny this
time,” says Julia with a laugh. “And while
no children were with us, everyone on
our team showed such enthusiasm—
they really wanted to make a difference
by taking part.” It was a fun, meaningful
day that highlighted the impact the
Food for Tots team is having on the lives
of young children.
Julia (far left) and the Food for Tots team are joined
by members of the Y’s fundraising team.
10 11
The Lawson Inspiration to give:
The first chapter of one of Canada’s
most remarkable philanthropic stories
another,” he explains. “Those experiences
were a really important part of my
& Hamm Families Engaging the next generation
with the Y
starts at World War II’s end. It was then own development.” Donald’s legacy of
that a young Frank Lawson (1891–1984) civic responsibility has been personally
MULTIGENERATIONAL DONORS
saw an opportunity to make a difference rewarding. “I’ve had three careers: one
in the lives of young people. Career in business, one in philanthropy, one in
Counselling was a relatively new idea volunteerism,” he says.
at the time, and Frank was immensely
“
inspired by the work of its founding
father, Dr. Gerald P. Cosgrave. Following
his footsteps, Frank volunteered as
Chairman of YMCA’s Counselling Service
in its second year. Through his drive
and personal philanthropy, he began to
promote its importance and champion
”
the establishment of career centres at
several universities. Donald’s sister, the late Jean Hamm
(1923–2018), was also a visionary
Frank established The Counselling philanthropist, who acted as Director
Foundation of Canada in 1959. Today, and Vice-Chair of the Foundation. “Like
standing behind the Foundation are her father, my mom dedicated her life
the Lawson and Hamm families, with to the service of others. She was always
Many members of the Lawson and Hamm families gathered this past spring at the YMCA Cedar Glen four generations dedicated to helping engaged in volunteerism throughout her
Outdoor Centre (from left to right: Jaime, Elizabeth and Michael Huggesen, Douglas Lawson, Alison Hamm,
Willis Pommier, Kyle Mason, Yvonne Lawson, Jessica Hamm, David Lawson, James Hamm, Scott Lawson, people live purposeful, productive lives. long life,” says Jean’s daughter, Shirley
Anne Lawson, and Christine Lawson). They’ve long supported the YMCA of Hamm. Jean championed the outdoor
Greater Toronto and have spent decades centre, Cedar Glen, which then belonged
giving back, in various roles, through the to the United Church. Realising Jean’s
Foundation and other charities. vision, the Foundation donated the
centre to the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
When he passed, Frank left the bulk of
his estate to The Counselling Foundation
of Canada, ensuring his family’s capacity
to fund transformative change across the
nation. “There’s no question we inherited
a formidable legacy from my father,”
says Donald. Donald went on to provide
exemplary leadership and counsel as
Chair of the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s
Board in 1968. He set our YMCA on the
course to become a sustainable and
impactful charity. “It took me a long time
to realise that the genius of the YMCA
Jean Hamm dedicated her life to giving back. Her children and grandchildren are now acting on her was the influence of one person on
incredible legacy (from left to right: Shirley Hamm, Bill Robertson, John Robertson, Barb Mason, Don Mason,
Emily Brennan, Chris Mason, Jean Hamm, Kate Mason, James Hamm).
12 13
Coming together
Today, the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Lorraine’s son, Douglas Lawson for community
Centre enables 25,000 children, youth, (current Foundation Board Chair).
and adults annually to connect to nature, “Their substantial accomplishments are
learn new skills, and have fun. “My something to be proud of and to live
mother lovingly gave hours, days, and up to.”
years to Cedar Glen. She believed that
outdoor education offers a powerful and Today, with Donald’s son, Bruce
transformational experience for youth Lawson, at the helm as current
and adults,” says Jean’s daughter, Barb President & CEO, the Foundation
Mason. “I’m convinced that Cedar Glen, continues to invest in an ever-
as it exists today, is what she always broadening range of innovative
envisioned.” programs that benefit youth,
newcomers, young families, individuals
As each generation of the Lawson experiencing poverty, Indigenous
and Hamm families contributes to the peoples, and many others.
ongoing success of the Foundation,
their commitment to helping others has The YMCA of Greater Toronto is
deepened and expanded. honoured by its meaningful partnership Lorraine and Donald Lawson. Forever in bloom: the late Jean Hamm—whose
with The Counselling Foundation of passion helped make the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor
Canada. Thanks to their remarkable Centre a reality—is celebrated by some of her family
generosity, the YMCA established members who were able to visit the centre (from left
the Donald G. Lawson Leadership to right: Kyle Mason, James Hamm, Alison Hamm,
Jessica Hamm) at a garden dedicated to her memory.
Development Fund to mark Donald’s
remarkable legacy and retirement
as Past Chair of the Foundation
Board. The Fund ensures YMCA staff
have opportunities for continuous
learning. The Foundation also made an
endowment to establish the Jean Hamm
Leadership Development Scholarship
Fund for young women attending the
YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Center as
leaders in training.
“Ultimately, I hope we can look back
“My grandfather, father, and aunt and see that what we took over became
accomplished a lot—they taught us much bigger than we found it,” says
that to whom much is given, much Douglas. “By doing so, we’ll have
is expected,” explains Donald and accomplished our mission.”
Rising up: members of the Lawson and Hamm families Frank (holding cane, in hat) and Donald Lawson (with
engage in the high ropes, a popular team-building ribbon on lapel, beside his father) walking from Bay
exercise at the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre. Street Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) to the opening
of the new TSE, in May 1983.
15
14
of inclusion at Central YMCA. In the past, to reach their fundraising goal. “Teamwork
she’s taught the popular BodyFit–Run really sums it up,” she laughs. “Together,
classes, introducing people to the benefits our core team—Carole Tracey, Sharon
of getting active and connecting with Hennessey, Murray Bender, Sharon Ferriss,
other members. Over the years, Margot Joyce Reeves, Tony Knights, and Charlie
has become familiar with the wide range McDonald—organizes and executes a one-
of fitness options offered at Central YMCA. and-a-half hour BodyFit–Run event. It’s
She chooses to donate to the Y because challenging, but really fun,” she adds. “And
she believes that everyone deserves to the participants are so generous.”
access the programs and supports we offer.
“The Y has such a wide array of important
services, from health and fitness, to helping
newcomers settle, youth with different
learning styles achieve high school
diplomas, and child care spaces for so
many families,” she says. “The Y’s offerings
are absolutely vital to the community and
essential to many people’s lives.”
As a self-proclaimed ‘soccer mom’ of three Alongside her fellow volunteers, Margot
Margot Alward children—Alexandra, Theo, and Nicolas—
Margot’s biggest motivation to donate
also helps promote Megathon. “I’m so
motivated by our group of instructors,
MEGATHON DONOR & FUNDRAISER is ensuring the Y continues providing members, staff, family and friends, and
financial assistance to families in need so everyone who contributes, either by giving
Inspiration to give: that everyone can take part. “That really time or money,” says Margot. “When
Teaming up with other Y members resonates with me because the Y is having we all get together for Megathon, it’s
to create healthy and inclusive communities a long-term, positive impact on the lives truly a synergy unlike anything I’ve ever
of these families,” she explains. “Everyone experienced before.”
deserves the opportunity to take care of
For nearly 20 years, Margot Alward “From the moment you walk in the door, their physical, social, emotional, and mental Ultimately, Margot believes that by coming
has been coming to our Central YMCA it’s just so uplifting,” she says. “Central health. The Y is well equipped to provide together with others at the YMCA, creating
almost daily. An avid runner, health and YMCA is a great building, but it’s about so these opportunities.” a lasting impact in the lives of others is
fitness has always been a big part of much more than bricks and mortar—it’s possible. “There’s a lot we can do—and a lot
her life, and she appreciates how the full of amazing members, volunteers, and Taking her involvement a step further, we can achieve—when we work together to
YMCA provides her with a wide array staff who contribute to a heartwarming Margot fundraises in support of the make our community better, more inclusive,
of options to achieve well-being. But, environment that emphasizes equality YMCA Megathon—an annual event that and healthier for everyone.”
for Margot, the Y is about so much and inclusion.” raises more than $500,000. But, as she’ll
more than just getting active—it’s about enthusiastically tell you, she doesn’t do
staying connected and giving back to As a volunteer instructor, Margot has played it alone—Margot’s part of a dedicated
the community she cares about. a valuable part in promoting that sense group of Y members who work together Margot at Toronto Island.
16 17
each of my colleagues and sharing
with them why their participation is
so valuable to helping the people we
serve,” she explains.
“Once our staff members see that their
participation is important no matter
what they give, then they become open
to giving.” By channeling her passion
for the community into the
Y Family Gives Campaign, Masooma—
along with her generous colleagues—
are helping make both their Y and their
community healthier.
Masooma is committed to fostering
a culture of philanthropy year-round.
She enthusiastically takes part in our
annual Megathon—a week of fitness and
fundraising challenges that help ensure
the YMCA is accessible to everyone
who needs us. This past year, Masooma
took on the Treadmill Challenge, where
members kept her motivated. “So many
Masooma Azhar
DONOR AND Y FAMILY GIVES CAMPAIGN LEAD
“ It’s a two-way bond—
we motivate each other through
people came up to me, telling me that
they had no place to go when they
arrived in Canada—just like me—and now
our mutual love and dedication they’re a part of the Y family and the
Inspiration to give: to the inclusive community
”
community. They really inspired me to
Ensuring newcomers have a safe and welcoming we’ve built within these walls. keep going!”
place to go after arriving in the community
—Masooma Azhar
As Masooma’s own journey has come
When Masooma Azhar first arrived in with her children, she began to make That was more than a decade ago— full circle, she continues to give back in
Toronto after living in Sudbury with her new friends, eventually working part- today, Masooma is a Sales Supervisor every way she can, helping newcomers
husband and two children, she didn’t have time as an AquaFit instructor—a role she at the Markham YMCA, where she also feel welcome and included, members
a single connection. With no friends or cherished. “Even if there was a storm, if I serves as her centre’s leader for the get active and healthy, and children
family to help her family settle, Masooma was sick, or had a sprain and on crutches, Y Family Gives Campaign. The annual and youth discover all they can be. “I
didn’t know where to turn—until she I would be there the next day,” Masooma campaign invites YMCA employees to truly believe in our core values and our
discovered the Markham YMCA Blvd. laughs. “I know that our members made give back to the community by making mission as a charity,” says Masooma.
Rudy Bratty YMCA Centre. “At the Y, we the effort to come to class, so I had to be a donation. Masooma is able to connect “The community needs us—we all have
felt that we belonged, that we were a part there for them. It’s a two-way bond—we meaningfully with her colleagues, to step up and give back if we’re all
of our community,” she says. motivate each other through our mutual inspiring others to give by sharing the going to succeed.”
love and dedication to the inclusive impact that their donations can have
Masooma (centre of group) and her colleagues
The Y became a second home for community we’ve built within these walls.” on the community. “I get started ahead come together and give as part of our annual
Masooma and her family. Coming often of time, personally connecting with Y Family Gives Campaign.
18 19OUR 2018 YMCA CITY BUILDERS
BMO Financial Group
CIBC
Krystal Koo &
Michael J. Cooper
The Counselling Foundation
of Canada
Martine M. Irman
Jays Care Foundation
Lorraine Lawson &
Donald G. Lawson
Celebrating our
Jenifer & Steve McDonald
inaugural YMCA
City Builders The Pepsico Canada
Foundation Presenting the inaugural YMCA City Builders. (Front row, left to right) Amanda Sam, Jay’s Care Foundation;
Krystal Koo; Lorraine Lawson; Andrea Barrack, TD Bank Group; Doug Lawson, The Canada Counselling
Inspiration to give: TD Bank Group Foundation; (Middle row, left to right) Michael J. Cooper, Michael Paven, PepsiCo Canada Foundation; Shari
Ralph-Topolie, Jay’s Care Foundation; Medhat Mahdy, YMCA of Greater Toronto; Naki Osutei, TD Bank Group;
Building strong, resilient communities Jenifer McDonald; (Back row, left to right) Denis Sacks, PepsiCo Canada Foundation; Dan Doctoroff, Sidewalk
Labs; Donald Lawson; Steve McDonald.
On June 5, 2018, the YMCA of Greater “At TD, we believe that inclusion is at
Toronto recognized the incredible generosity the heart of community building. It’s
of the individuals, foundations, and only when we work together, that we
corporations that have each cumulatively can achieve our shared goals for the
donated one million dollars or more to the place we all share, and call home. We
Association. Together, these YMCA City were honoured to be recognized as a
Builders have created lasting impact in the YMCA City Builder, and to be a part of
lives of the individuals and families we serve. this critical work to ensure the vibrancy
Their unparalleled generosity and dedication of our communities, both today and for
to our collective vision is transforming entire years to come.”
communities. —Andrea Barrack, Vice President Global
Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group
Medhat Mahdy and guest speaker Dan Doctoroff. Host, Tim Penner, Donor and Former Chair YMCA
Board, on stage with guest speaker, Dan Doctoroff.
20 21“Seeing the incredible momentum of “Everyone can come together through
donors who share the YMCA’s vision for the YMCA to contribute to the GTA’s
our communities has been really great. It future and make it one we can be
takes all of us working together if we’re proud of. The Y lets us get ahead of the
going to help create opportunities that pressing issues that we care about—
allow everyone to succeed in life. As like newcomer services, childcare, and
donors to the Y’s Strong Start, Great youth development. We want to build a
Future Campaign, we’re thrilled to see community where everyone belongs. As
other YMCA City Builders get behind the YMCA City Builders, we’re able to do that.
work being done to strengthen these By expressing our support of the YMCA,
opportunities, and to ensure even more we’re helping build a strong city and
individuals and families are able to access region for generations to come.”
the programs and services they need to —Jenifer and Steve McDonald
achieve well-being.” YMCA City Builders Michael Cooper and Krystal Koo. YMCA City Builders Jenifer and Steve McDonald
—Krystal Koo and Michael Cooper
“I remember decades ago when we were
“It was a true honour to be included reaching out to the banks to support
in the YMCA City Builders celebration. the YMCA—I didn’t realize how much
Witnessing the passion and dedication of support has grown since then. It was
donors—who see the value of investing remarkable to see both individual and
in the future health and well-being of our corporate donors giving at such a high
communities—was truly inspirational. It level to our communities. I enjoyed being
was great to come together and not only included in the inaugural YMCA City
acknowledge how important giving back Builders celebration and would want to
is, but also the collective impact we can be there again.”
have when we share a vision.” —Donald Lawson,
—Martine M. Irman Donor and Former Chair
(1968–1970)
YMCA City Builder and YMCA Board Chair Medhat Mahdy, joined by YMCA City Builder
Martine M. Irman. Donald Lawson.
“We believe in providing all youth,
especially those experiencing
multiple barriers, with access to the
opportunities they need to succeed in
life. It’s why we’ve partnered with the Y
on various programs and supports that
promote healthy habits, physical fitness,
and well-being for youth. It was a real
pleasure to see The PepsiCo Canada
Foundation recognized as a YMCA City
Builder, and to celebrate all that we’ve
been able to make possible for the
GTA’s youth, together.”
Calvin Younger, accepting the YMCA City Our guest speaker, Dan Doctoroff, Chair and CEO, Denis Sacks, President, The PepsiCo Canada Foundation —Denis Sacks, President,
Builder award on behalf of CIBC, listening to Sidewalk Labs, and guest Kenneth Tanenbaum. accepting a YMCA City Builder award on behalf of the The PepsiCo Canada Foundation
the guest speaker. Foundation.
22 23Y Family Gives Campaign
YMCA STAFF DONORS Who gives to the Y?
YMCA staff donors’ inspiration to give
Ensuring everyone is able to reach their full potential Each and every gift to the YMCA of Greater
Making the Y Family Gives Campaign a success, together Toronto impacts individuals and families at
Every year, more than 1,000 YMCA staff members donate to build healthier, more
connected communities through the YMCA Family Gives campaign. Staff leads
our 440 locations across the GTA.
across the organization celebrate their commitment to Y values and encourage their
colleagues to join them in donating. In their own words, here’s what inspires some of
the YMCA’s Health & Fitness Centre staff leads to give:
“What I love about working at the YMCA is the opportunity to express
feelings for the children I help to care for. There are times that a little help 24%
can make a huge difference in somebody’s life. Our donations allow our
organization to offer support to our members. In my 23 years working at
the Y, I’ve enjoyed numerous moments of bringing happiness and hope to
our members and families.” Individuals & Families
—Sholeh Khalili, Senior Child Care Director, Toronto Sheppard Avenue YMCA
Foundation Partners
48%
“In my role, I get to watch campers form bonds and spark new interests. I Corporate Partners
watch campers look up to and learn from their counselors, and counselors
look up to and learn from their supervisors. Seeing campers and staff
grow as a result of our programs is extremely rewarding. They come back,
year after year, because of the people they meet and the connections 28%
they make. It’s why I love what I do.”
—Leigh Coffey, Manager, YMCA Summer Camp Programs
“I’ve always liked helping people, either through donating or helping
people volunteer. I decided to donate to the Y after learning about one of
our swim classes where three of the six children were receiving financial
assistance. It was moving, knowing they were gaining a skill that would
help prevent drowning. With my donation, I’m helping more children learn
how to swim and stay safe in the water.” How are donations used?
—Liam Dick, Senior Program Director, Volunteers and Community Programs,
Central Grosvenor Street YMCA
At the Y, we are deeply grateful for every single donor who has entrusted us
“My job is inspiring, seeing how our employment counsellors go the extra with a gift. We work diligently to ensure every dollar given is best leveraged
mile to help clients accomplish their goals, whether it’s searching for to support the individuals and families we serve, helping them achieve health,
a job, boosting self-confidence, or helping find shelter. I donate to the well-being, and success in life. Thanks to their collective generosity, for the
YMCA Family Gives Campaign because I believe in the Y’s values and 2017–2018 fiscal year, our incredible donors contributed $3.6 million to building
vision. I feel that apart from being kind, caring, and sharing, giving is a the resilience of our communities.
responsibility that we all have to the community.”
—Laxmy Neelakantaiah, Administrative Representative,
24 Richmond Hill Bayview Avenue YMCA Employment Centre 25Thank you
Thanks to your generosity, the individuals and families the Y serves are
able to access the safe, inclusive spaces they’ve come to depend on.
In the words of the people who rely on the YMCA of Greater
Toronto’s programs and services, here’s how your donation is
making a real and lasting impact in their lives…
“ The YMCA has had a huge
impact on my life, helping
“ My family’s ambition is to
build a good future here
me get out of my in Canada. My children
shell and discover belong, they can be
the person I happy, successful,
want to be, and contribute to
and the future their new country.
I want to have.
” At the Y, anything
is possible.
”
—Savana Malek
YMCA Youth Program Participant
—Nabil Al Hawa, Syrian Refugee
& Cooper Koo Family YMCA Member
“ I have two boys
and I’m raising
“ Before the Y, everything
was a blur and I had
no plan. But now
them by myself.
I see a clear
Families like
path for my
mine count on
daughter’s
the YMCA, on their
future—it’s
generosity and their
changed our
services to help us.
The Y is more than just a
lives.
”
”
—Jerry, Recipient of
place to go—it’s like a family. YMCA Financial Assistance
—Jeremy Goring
YMCA Program Participant
262200 Yonge Street, Unit 300
Toronto, Ontario M4S 2C6
416.928.9622 or 1.800.223.8024
ymcagta.org
Follow us on social media:
@ymcagta.org
linkedin.com/company/ymca-of-greater-toronto
Charitable registration number: 11930 7080 RR0001
YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to be recognized by:You can also read
