Goal to Increase Access for Children, Youth and Families

Toronto, February 8, 2007

YMCA Ontario today announced the launch of the “YMCA Strong Kids Campaign,” a collaboration among 27 YMCA associations that will raise awareness of the YMCA’s charitable purpose and increase opportunities for children, youth and families to benefit from YMCA programs.

The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign launches with a 4-week, province-wide television campaign beginning February 15th.  A 30-second commercial, featuring YMCA Strong Kids spokespersons Vicki Keith and Jenna Lambert of the Kingston Family YMCA, highlights the YMCA’s role in helping to build strong kids and strong families.  Vicki Keith is a marathon swimmer and YMCA staff member who coaches the Y-Knot swim program.  Jenna Lambert is a participant in the Y-Knot swim program and is the first teen with a mobility disability to complete a swim across Lake Ontario.

Other campaign elements include the http://www.ymcastrongkids.ca website with an on-line donation capability, a toll-free donation number at 1-866-495-9622, and campaign promotional materials including print advertisements and radio PSAs.

“For the first time in Ontario history, a group of YMCAs has banded together to support the YMCA cause – open access to all YMCA programs and services for all,” said YMCA Ontario’s Senior Vice President, Rob Armstrong.  “The YMCA is known around the world as an organization that builds strong kids and strong families.  At a time when child and family wellness and health is a concern for all Canadians, we want to ensure that every child, youth and family experiences the benefits of the recreational opportunities, encouragement and positive role modeling that they need to succeed and feel valued in society regardless of their ability to pay.”

The YMCA is a charity that, for over 150 years, has been committed to improving the lives of children, youth and families in our communities by providing safe places, caring and trained staff, and programs that teach life skills. The YMCA is dedicated to helping people attain a healthy lifestyle and encouraging them to get involved in making their community a better place.  There are 61 YMCA associations in Canada working with over 700,000 children and youth through a variety of programs and services. 

For further information, please contact:
Jamie Slater
Manager, Association Communications 
YMCA of Greater Toronto
(416) 413-1020, ext. 2362
jamie.slater@ymcagta.org