The Stories that Bring Us Together

Everyone has a story, and we love it when people want to share how the Y has impacted theirs. Whether you learned to swim at a YMCA, gained confidence at camp, transition into your new community, live a healthier lifestyle or received financial assistance to take the steps you need to grow as a person, the Y has impacted many people. 

Alisha's Y Story-  
My husband and I joined the YMCA a year ago. We loved all the things my son would be able to do and that we could use the gym to get fit and healthy for our children. My son joined swimming lessons and is now a little fish at just three-years-old and can swim independently without a life jacket or floaty! When we returned to the YMCA to use the gym a few months ago, we also signed him up for two different programs so he could socialize and start to get used to being away from us before he starts school. He has now made friends he looks forward to seeing weekly! I joined to help my weight loss journey and I am beyond excited about the progress I’ve already made. We love our YMCA! 

Ebonee’s Y Story –
Throughout our daughter’s experience in childcare, she has never come across an educator that is judgemental or confused about her situation having a mommy and momma. They have always been kind, warm and accepting. My family and I are so incredibly thankful for the love and support that the YMCA and Strong kids have given us and to the educators that love our daughter and accept our family for what it is: A family that loves each other. The YMCA is a safe space for me and family. 

Erin's Y Story-
The wonderful kids’ programs have allowed me to focus on my health, which can be hard as a parent. I've lost weight, trained for a 10km and 2 half marathons and built muscle using their bootcamp and Group Power classes. We are a healthier and happier family because of our Y.

Dana's Y Story - 
We are a busy family, and my husband Tony and I have four children- Lilly, Sophie, Kris, and Nathalie – all with special needs. Lilly started going to Camp Queen Elizabeth when she was 8. We were nervous sending her to an overnight camp at such a young age, but when she came home, we knew we had made the right choice. We had found the right camp for ALL OUR KIDS!
The kids enjoy the outdoors and one of our biggest challenges is finding the right programs to support their individual needs. YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth is a very special place and it has become an annual summer tradition to send our kids there. The amazing staff go out of their way to make our kids feel welcome, and also push them to try new things. 
The Y gives the kids an amazing place to go every summer. Each year we see them grow and learn new things from camp. They come home with stories of their amazing adventures, talk about it all year long. They get SO excited when we tell them they get to return next summer!

Dalal's Y Story-
The YMCA has been my second home since I came to Canada. It’s where I found people interested in helping me and who cared about my goals. I have gone through a lot of hardships since my arrival to the new country and I felt alone, isolated and afraid for the future. In the past 6 years, the YMCA and its team were here for me. I have walked baby steps to learn the English language, but at one point I couldn’t improve it more; I have attended many sessions and activities just to stay involved in my community and learn more about my new home. Two years ago, I applied for my Canadian citizenship and It was not successful, the test was so hard for me. But after three attempts to pass the test, I needed someone to walk with me and encourage me to take the test again for the fourth time before I dropped everything. The YMCA Newcomers services assisted me another time and… I just did the test and I passed it. This was the best time of my life; it was actually mixed with tears of joy and pride. I was able to achieve my goal with the encouragement of the people who witnessed my citizenship journey in Canada.

If a story about the Y has meaning for you and you're willing to tell it, then we believe it's worth hearing. The only thing more important than the words you have to say is the untold lives your story will touch.

Tell your story