The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to strengthening international understanding, and promoting personal and professional development by providing full-time staff with opportunities to experience cross-cultural education or work experiences.

Goals:

• To 'internationalize' the YMCA of Greater Toronto
• To provide an international, cross-cultural educational work experience for a YMCA Staff member
• To provide opportunities for the successful candidate to meet, exchange ideas, and educate YMCA members and staff of the host city and recipient cities
• To provide the successful candidate with opportunities to share learning once he or she has returned home

Purpose
The purpose of this fund is to provide a full-time staff member of the YMCA of Greater Toronto with an international experience to enhance the Association’s capacity to further the International Program goals through one of the following:

•  A study or work placement in the YMCA movement to increase knowledge of the international YMCA movement OR a YMCA international partnership.
• An educational experience (preferably outside of Canada) that focuses on developing cross-cultural skills.

Background of Henry J.D. Labatte
Henry Labatte is a YMCA leader whose vision and passion has influenced the YMCA at the local, national and international level.

Henry grew up in Toronto and spent his teenage years at the Broadview YMCA where he was inspired to become a YMCA professional. This influence has lead many of Henry’s efforts in achieving the mission of the Toronto YMCA.

In 1970, Henry became Senior Executive of the virtually bankrupt Toronto YMCA. Henry set about rebuilding and revitalizing the organization, attracting volunteers and staff that could help him bring about the needed changes.

A man of boundless energy, Henry led the Toronto YMCA to become the largest Association in Canada, and among the flagship YMCAs of the world.  Under his leadership, the Association constructed five new centres across Greater Toronto.

Henry also oversaw the growth and development of International partnerships in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Henry’s self-help orientation led him to be Chair, of the World Urban Network to support and strengthen the community service operations of large metropolitan YMCAs.

Only “retired” from payroll, Henry remains absolutely committed, continuing to serve the YMCA as a volunteer.  Henry has had a remarkable influence on the YMCA as an educator, leader, manager and mentor throughout his life. 

On November 5, 1998, in recognition of his impressive contributions to the YMCA Movement, Henry J. D. Labatte was appointed a Companion of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.