Water is essential to our communities. After all, Canada has the world’s largest coastline with over 243 thousand kilometers. Not to mention, the approximately 16,000 kilometers of shoreline in Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka, and the District of Parry Sound. Enjoying beaches, swimming pools, and water sports are treasured pastimes for so many Canadians hoping to stay cool during our scorching and humid summers.   

According to the Lifesaving Society, over 400 people tragically drown each year, with even more suffering injuries from non-fatal drowning incidents. Everyone is at risk of drowning. This means it’s important to be mindful of ourselves and those around us, especially children, as we enjoy spending time near or in the water this summer.   

National Drowning Prevention Week  

July 20-26 is National Drowning Prevention Week in Canada. Falling on the third week of July each year, the Lifesaving Society and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka takes this time to recognize the importance of water safety for all Canadians. We aim to raise awareness for National Drowning Prevention Week and our aquatics programs to help you gain more confidence and the necessary skills to navigate the water safely.   

This year’s theme for National Drowning Prevention Week is Safer Together.  

Together, we can safely enjoy our time spent near the water by following a few of these essential tips:   

Never Swim or Boat Alone 

Safer Together means creating a safe environment to enjoy water responsibly. If an unsafe situation arises, every second is vital. Despite how drowning is depicted in movies or television, in reality, it can happen silently and quickly; often, there is no splashing or yelling when it occurs. It’s always safer to have another person around while you enjoy water to lend a hand if needed.   

Supervise Children at All Times  

Along the same lines, children need extra supervision when playing in or near water, even if they appear to be confident swimmers. Children can drown in as little as 2.5 centimeters of water, which means even backyard swimming pools, kiddie pools, and bathtubs pose a risk. In a world full of distractions, it’s crucial to put away your phone or other handheld technology when supervising children near water. The typical rule of thumb for supervising children under the age of 5 is that if you are no longer within arm’s reach, you have gone too far.    

Be Prepared 

Spending some time preparing before you spend time in or around water is another key safety tip. Look for places that are safe for both you and your children to swim, where you are familiar with the depth of the water, and any resources nearby. If possible, look for locations with a lifeguard present. Wear properly fitted life jackets when swimming or boating and avoid the use of substances that can impair your judgment and slow your reflexes.    

Learn How to Swim with the Y! 

Did you know that in most drowning cases, the victim had no intention of going into the water in the first place? Slips, falls, and boating accidents happen when you least expect it. This is why one of the best defenses against drowning is learning how to swim in the first place. Learning how to swim might save your life or the life of someone you love.   

“I have seen both of my two girls go from being afraid of the water to jumping in the deep end with utter joy (and complete safety) as a result of the YMCA swimming lessons,” said Danielle, who loves seeing her daughters’ confidence Shine On through programs with the Y. (Read more about Danielle’s powerful and transformative story here!)  

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers nationally accredited aquatics programs and swim lessons taught by certified instructors that will empower you or your children with the skills needed to swim comfortably and confidently. Our programs will help build confidence and skills to help you enjoy your time around the water and to help keep you and those around you as safe as possible. Last year, our swim lessons helped over 8,500 participants learn how to enjoy their time in the water safely.   

Register for Swim Lessons with the Y here! 

Lifeguard Training  

Did you know that around 99% of drownings also occur in areas without a lifeguard? The YMCA is determined to address the shortage of lifeguards in our communities to keep everyone safe. Our Advanced Aquatics Scholarships help to promote water safety and provide more young people with the opportunity to become lifeguards through learning life-saving skills, gaining valuable employment experience, and helping to make their communities safer together.   

“The Y’s swimming lessons are very important. They give an opportunity to so many children who would have never had that opportunity otherwise. Most of our local communities have a body of water, so for children to have an opportunity to learn to swim is really important both for their safety and development.”  

– Brooke G., who has worked as a Y lifeguard since her childhood. 

Want to learn more? Click here to find out more about the Advanced Aquatics Scholarships

Together, we can create safer experiences in and around the water for everyone in our community. If you’d like to support our aquatics programs, please consider making a donation at www.GiveToTheY.ca.

By Jill Tettmann, President & CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

At the YMCA, inclusion is not just a value on paper – it is a way of being. As we move through June, a month that holds deep meaning for many, we are taking time to reflect on the importance of creating welcoming, accessible spaces where everyone feels they belong.

June marks both Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, two opportunities to celebrate resilience, identity, and community. They also invite us to deepen our understanding of the barriers that still exist – and the work we must continue doing to create an inclusive, equitable world. This work is especially important during Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, but it does not begin and end in June. These moments serve as milestones, helping us stay grounded in our responsibility to grow, learn, and support one another all year long.

This month, we are proud to share some of the ways our YMCA is taking steps forward on this journey – honouring Indigenous voices, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and fostering spaces where everyone, from every background and despite any circumstance, can show up fully as themselves and unlock their full potential to shine.

Our Commitment to DEIB

Creating a truly inclusive community starts with intentional action – and that begins within. This year, we launched a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Committee at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka to guide our efforts in fostering belonging for everyone, both in our operations and across the broader community. The committee includes 14 dedicated staff members from across departments and backgrounds; all focused on one central question: How do we help all participants of our community feel they belong at our Y?

Currently, the group is focusing on three key areas:

These efforts are already making an impact. In May, 125 YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka leaders took part in DEIB training focused on unconscious bias, microaggressions, and belonging. And on June 17, Dr. Andrew Campbell led a session on Diversity and Leadership as part of our Leadership Development Program. We are also gathering valuable insights to help guide us on our journey moving forward. For the first time, demographic questions were added to our Staff Wellness Survey to better understand and support our team’s diverse experiences. Fostering inclusion is an ongoing journey – one that takes patience, listening, and heart. Through the work of this committee, we are taking meaningful steps Forward, Together.

Spotlight: Elder in-Residence Program at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana

At camp, we have a unique opportunity to shape the next generation – helping young people find independence, build lifelong friendships, and discover their strengths. It is also a place where learning goes far beyond activities and cabins. This summer, we are honoured to launch a new Elder in-Residence program at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and helping young people learn about the land they are on. We are partnering with Elder Trish Monague, who will spend time at camp throughout the season – sharing Indigenous teachings, guiding ceremonies, and creating space for reflection and connection. Her presence offers campers and staff a meaningful opportunity to learn from Indigenous ways of knowing and deepen their understanding of community and belonging. In May, Trish joined us for a Lifting of the Water Ceremony, gathering with staff from Camp Kitchikewana, YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth, and Parks Canada. Together, we made offerings to the water – wild rice, corn, berries, and smoked fish – as part of a feast bundle. Trish will return for staff training and several camper sessions this summer. This is just the beginning of a meaningful partnership – one rooted in respect, storytelling, and shared learning.

Bringing Inclusion to Life Through Storytelling

At the YMCA, we know that stories are at the heart of inclusion. They help us see through someone else’s eyes and remind us of our shared humanity. Earlier this year, we produced a short video exploring the YMCA’s value of inclusiveness. In it, we share what it means to truly feel welcomed and accepted. When we elevate diverse voices and create spaces where everyone can show up authentically, we move closer to the kind of community we strive to be – one where difference is not just tolerated, but celebrated.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is proud to be a part of a community that continues to listen, learn, and evolve. As we honour Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, let’s also recommit to doing the work every day: checking our assumptions, opening our hearts, remaining open to feedback, and making room for everyone to ignite their full potential.

Know that at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, you belong. Always.

Are you looking for a way to stay active, spend quality time with loved ones, or simply try something new? This June, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is inviting you to join their free Community Days every Saturday and Sunday. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore what the YMCA has to offer, from fitness classes to open swims, all at no cost.

Whether you’re a parent with energetic kids, a fitness enthusiast, or someone curious about enhancing your well-being, these free days are your path to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

What are Free YMCA Community Days?

Happening every Saturday and Sunday in the month of June, YMCA Community Days offer free access to a variety of drop-in programs at all five YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Health, Fitness, and Aquatics centres across the region. Visit our locations in Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Innisfil (upon reopening), Midland, and Wasaga Beach, and experience the Y’s welcoming environment firsthand.

This initiative is made possible by the generous support of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge grant, reaffirming the Y’s commitment to breaking down financial barriers to health and wellness.

Here’s what you can enjoy during YMCA Community Days:

Whether you’re already familiar with the YMCA or visiting for the first time, there’s something for everyone.

How to Access Your Free Day Pass

Getting your free pass is simple and flexible!

For local program schedules, visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/schedules.

Why Attend YMCA Community Days?

Here’s why these free days are worth experiencing:

Additional Programs to Explore

Beyond the Community Days, the YMCA also provides other exciting ways to stay active and engaged. For example, you can participate in the Y@Home ParticipACTION Community Challenge, which allows you to stay fit and motivated from the comfort of your home. Perfect for busy schedules, this program is an extension of the Y’s mission to make wellness accessible for all.

Join the Fun this June

YMCA Community Days aren’t just free events; they’re a chance to invest in yourself and your community. Take a moment to explore the Y, meet new people, and experience activities that elevate your health and happiness.

For more information about this initiative or to learn about other YMCA programs, visit JoinTheY.ca.

May is Planned Giving Month. A planned or legacy gift, such as a bequest in your will, a gift of life insurance, or other long-term financial arrangement ensures that you’ll continue supporting the causes close to you and your loved ones well into the future. 

In celebration of this month, we would like to highlight Jana Luker, who recently established the Melva Murphy Luker Endowment Fund in support of YMCA Camp Kitchikewana. Jana created this lasting legacy in memory of her mother and shared her family’s heartfelt reasons for giving back to the YMCA. Her gift is a powerful example of how planned giving can honour loved ones while making a meaningful impact for generations to come. 

Jana’s mother, Melva Murphy, grew up in Midland and the YMCA played an active role in her life. She and her sister sold strawberries in order to raise funds necessary to attend YMCA Camp Kitchikewana; she quickly fell in love with the camp and stayed involved with it for most of her life. As a teenager, she began as a counsellor, later took charge of the waterfront, and even after completing her nursing education, she returned to camp year after year to serve as the camp nurse. 

Jana had the idea to start an endowment fund after attending an alumni event at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana shortly after her mother’s passing. “The camp was such a big part of her life and meant so much to her; the Y as a whole meant so much to her, and what better way to honour my mother’s legacy than with an opportunity to benefit Camp Kitchi.”  

“I’ve heard so much about the effect my mother had on people,” said Jana. “Little boys who are now elderly men have come up to me telling me they were in love with my mother when they were campers. When my mom was older, I was taking her to the Y, and a lady who recognized my mother from her camp days decades ago came up and talked with us. My mother had an influence beyond anything I had previously known based on all the stories I’ve now heard, and all the people who knew her in Midland and at camp. She had a significant effect on the community and individuals, and it was through the Y that these connections were made where people still remembered her 60 years later.”  

The connections that the Y creates are among the organization’s biggest standouts for Jana.  “It’s about being part of a larger community. I’ve only lived here in Midland for 8 years; when I first came here, I didn’t know anybody, so I went to the local Y and almost all the friends I’ve made in Midland have come from there. When I think of the YMCA the first thing that comes to mind is the community; it goes beyond just the fitness aspect.”  

“My reason for starting this endowment was a way to give back to the Y for all the work it does and to honour my mother.”   

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka extends its deepest gratitude to Jana Luker and the Luker family for honouring Melva’s legacy in a way that allows others to experience the same magic of YMCA Camp Kitchikewana that Melva cherished years ago. We also pay tribute to Melva for her lifetime of contributions to our YMCA.

The Melva Murphy Luker Endowment Fund significantly enhances our ability to reach more individuals in need of support, offering them opportunities for physical activity, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging and community. 

Thank you, Jana and the Luker family, for your inspiring generosity! 

To donate to the Melva Murphy Luker Endowment Fund, please click here.  

If you are interested in learning more about planned giving, endowments, and how to make your legacy gift, click here. 

By Sandra Shan, Vice President, People & Culture

Behind every healthy community is a team of people who choose to show up—not for recognition, but because they care. They are volunteers—and during National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 27 to May 3, we’re shining a light on their incredible impact. 

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building. And this is exactly what happens when someone volunteers at the YMCA. Every volunteer contributes to our ability to strengthen our community and the health and well-being of our participants.  

Each and every day a volunteer at the YMCA, like Diane from our Midland YMCA, makes a difference. In this video Diane shares her story about volunteering to teach fitness classes for seniors, supporting them to thrive both physically and mentally through the community experience at the Y. Her inspiring story showcases the incredible impact one person can have through volunteering.  

Volunteers like Jacob S. are making a meaningful difference every day in communities like Collingwood, where their time, energy, and heart have a lasting impact.  

“Jacob brings immense happiness and joy to all the kids in his Basketball Fundamentals program at the Collingwood Y. His ability to make learning enjoyable and fun for everyone is truly remarkable. Thank you for everything you do for us, Jacob!” – Shelley Everitt, Centre Manager, Collingwood YMCA 

His dedication reminds us that one person really can help shape brighter futures—both on and off the court. 

It is with the support of volunteers like Diane and Jacob that the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has been able to deliver programs and services for so many years. Last year, 239 individuals volunteered at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka providing more than 20,000 hours of service. At our Y, we know that volunteering has the power to enrich the lives of those in need and those who wish to give. Giving your time can also help you maintain good physical and mental health. It can alleviate stress, keep your mind active, and give you a sense of direction. 

Volunteer opportunities at the YMCA are available for anyone 12 years of age and older. Here are a few ways that our volunteers help us to spark change and ignite potential in our community: 

Why volunteer at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka? 

  1. Be part of something bigger: Help strengthen our community from the inside out with programs and services that are specifically designed to meet the needs of our community.  
  1. Gain valuable experience: Volunteering can help you gain experience in your sector of interest and network with professionals. Volunteering gives you the chance to practice crucial workplace skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management, and organization.  
  1. Make meaningful connections: Meet people of all ages and backgrounds to strengthen your sense of belonging.  

To learn more about volunteering opportunities and how to get involved, visit www.ymcasm.ca/volunteer.  

Marty Tannahill is one of the YMCA’s dedicated volunteers at Camp Kitchikewana and our resident canoeing expert. Every year, Marty teaches certification programs for both staff and campers, helping them improve their canoeing skills.

Marty got involved with the YMCA by pure coincidence; after he retired, he received a call from a camp director at an RKY camp near Kingston with a last minute need to help teach a canoe course. The following year, Marty received another phone call, this time from Camp Kitchikewana, needing help with its canoeing program as well as someone who could test and certify the camp’s leadership.

Marty went to help, and during the testing process, noticed that the canoeing program needed more support to ensure that the camp’s counsellors were prepared to lead canoeing programs for the campers. He immediately offered his services to Camp Kitchikewana’s Director to support the program.

Since then, Marty has been a very active member of the camp community. He currently teaches and certifies the camp’s leadership in canoeing skills, and teaches the campers a moving water course, a tripping course, and a style paddling course.

“I look forward to coming to Kitchi and seeing the results from children learning canoeing skills, and I love seeing the little ones and noticing how much they learn,” said Marty.

When asked, why he volunteers at the Y, Marty said, “At some point you have to ask, ‘why am I here?’ There must be a purpose, and I think that purpose is to serve and support others. I really enjoy my role, and I can see almost immediate results which I think is incredible. All the people I have had a chance to work with have done more for me than I ever can for them.”

“There are so many amazing things I have seen at camp on a day-to day basis,” said Marty. “The kids develop not just as campers, but also as people; they are helped immensely through the camp experience. Seeing them develop just warms my heart.”

Marty shared with us a fond memory of supporting a determined camper, and the importance of the camp community: “One camper I worked with had a disability and was really struggling on a course, but he kept trying so hard. I went over to talk him through it, and we worked on the course together; eventually he got through it, and he did it by himself without any help. The next year, he came back to camp and when he saw me, he gave me a hug. He then told me, ‘I wouldn’t have gotten here without you,’ and I said, ‘no, we got through it together.’ That was really special for me. He has since come back to camp as a counsellor, and he is really great at it.”

In addition to working with the camp’s canoeing program, Marty also dedicates his time to  fundraising for Camp Kitchikewana. “I was very unsure about doing it at first” he said. Every year, Marty sends a letter to his contacts to help kids attend camp. “I have seen so many kids who have greatly benefitted from the camp’s financial assistance. The money that people donate makes a really big difference,” he said. Every year, Marty raises his fundraising goal; this past year, he surpassed $4,000!

As a charity, the YMCA relies on dedicated volunteers like Marty to support its programs and services. On behalf of our community, we’d like to say ‘thank you’ to our volunteers for all that you do! Our work wouldn’t be possible without your support.

To learn more about volunteering at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, visit www.ymcasm.ca/volunteer.

A Place That Brings Us Together

What if the place that could have saved your life was missing when you needed it most? For Danielle N., the YMCA was absent when she needed it – but when it finally entered her world, it transformed her path and her family’s future.

“My Y Story is a little different than most, but I promise, it has a happy ending,” Danielle told a group of YMCA supporters at the recent gala held in November 2024.

With a 100-year history in Barrie, it’s easy to take the Y for granted. It’s always been there. But as we work toward building a new Barrie Y at 535 Bayview Drive, many in our community feel the void left by its absence.

Danielle asks you to “imagine a youth without the YMCA to shape [your] experiences, to help [you] foster connections, to create confidence, feel safety, and encourage health.” This is where her story begins. 

The Early Years: Lessons in Resilience Without the Y

When Danielle was six, her family bought a trailer with two large pools nearby. Clearly, little Danielle was excited to start spending summer days splashing in the water. There was one issue. Danielle didn’t know how to swim.

“I was allowed to play on the steps of the pool, but I was not allowed to go where I couldn’t touch,” Danielle remembers, “it wasn’t ideal, but I was just happy to get to be in the water.” 

Her family settled into the routine. Danielle on the steps, her older brother and his friends playing around in the deep end, and her parents hanging out poolside with the other adults.

For Danielle, life by the pool was good—until it wasn’t.

“I was playing on the steps, doing the best impression of a mermaid that anyone has ever seen,” Danielle recalls the day when everything changed, “I thought I was on the second last step, but I wasn’t. I was on the last step. I stepped down, and into the pool where I couldn’t touch the bottom, and I couldn’t swim.”

Danielle was drowning.

“I can’t tell you how long I struggled under the water, but eventually, a nice lady realized I was drowning and helped me up and out of the water.”

When Danielle reflects on that life-altering day at the pool, she understands the life-saving power of the swimming lessons the Y provides. Her community lacked a YMCA facility, and she couldn’t access the swimming lessons that promote safety in and around the water.

The Teen Years: Searching for Belonging

Like most teens, Danielle focused on building friendships and developing confidence. But those goals were a real challenge for her.

At 12, her family relocated, leaving behind the only place she called home. She felt alone, struggling to feel like she belonged.

“I remember stepping into a place that felt completely foreign, where the faces were unfamiliar, and the landscape was uncharted.”

As the years passed, Danielle struggled to connect with her peers. Add in familial issues, including mental health and addiction, Danielle felt isolated and overwhelmed.

Then, in Grade 12, there was a beacon of hope: YMCA’s Camp Kitchikewana, a traditional summer camp program for kids of all ages.

“I was so excited to finally be able to volunteer as a Camp Kitchikewana counsellor,” Danielle remembers, “I was so looking forward to an opportunity to connect with people my age and find my place in the world.”

Unfortunately, Danielle wasn’t able to secure a position at the camp. She reflected, “I missed the opportunity to have a safe space where I could build friendships, gain confidence, and receive the encouragement I desperately needed to navigate those challenging teenage years.”

Her life without the Y continued, but that was about to change.

Transforming Lives: How the Y Could Have Changed My Path

During her speech at the YMCA’s “The Roaring Social” Gala, she recounted all the ways that the Y could have transformed her life:

Building a Legacy: Giving Her Daughters What She Missed

Danielle can now give the YMCA experience she so desperately wanted to her children.

Those swimming lessons she missed out on, well, her daughters don’t have to sit on the steps watching the other kids swim. “I have seen both of my two girls go from being afraid of the water to jumping in the deep end with utter joy (and complete safety) as a result of the YMCA swimming lessons.”

A Full-Circle Moment: Experiencing Camp Kitchikewana at Last

Oh, and there’s a happy ending for Camp Kitchikewana, too.

“Last summer I was finally able to go to Camp Kitchikewana,” Danielle happily shares, “I may not be a teenager anymore, but the utter joy I felt in taking the boat over to Beausoleil Island is something that I will not forget.” It was a transformative, powerful experience.

“I do not embellish at all when I tell you it mended something inside my soul that I did not even realize was broken.”

“I will hold the memory of sitting on the rock and feeling the sun on my face forever.”

Watch Danielle’s story here:

Be a Part of the Change: Building the New YMCA in Barrie Together

Danielle’s story is one of many that underscores the YMCA’s commitment to fostering safety, belonging, and opportunity for all. Today, the YMCA teaches thousands of children in Muskoka and Simcoe County life-saving swimming skills annually—skills Danielle wishes she had as a child.

The YMCA isn’t just about a fitness facility; it’s about strengthening its community for future generations.

Her journey reminds us that community spaces can change lives. Together, we can ensure that future generations have a place to grow, heal, and thrive. Join us in building a better Barrie.

We invite you to join us in building the kind of Y we need for the Barrie we want!

There are a few ways you can join in:

Donations: Every donation brings us closer to creating a safe, welcoming YMCA for families like Danielle’s. Your contribution to the new YMCA in Barrie allows us to create a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. Donate today.

Share Your Story: Danielle shared her story because of how much the Y means to her and how much she missed it growing up. How has the Y impacted you? Share your reason ‘Y’ today and help us build a future where no child sits on the pool’s edge, watching from the sidelines.Please share why a new YMCA in Barrie is important to you via email ([email protected]) or social media using the hashtag #100ReasonsY.

By Fiona Cascagnette, Chief Operating Officer, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

Summer is quickly approaching, and with it comes the time of year where kids should be focused on having fun and making lifelong memories. And although school may be ending, their learning doesn’t stop. Summer brings countless opportunities for kids to explore and grow – opportunities we strive to offer all youth through our YMCA camp programs.  

From playing and building relationships, to physical activity and learning new skills, summer camps offer transformative experiences that extend beyond just recreation. In fact, there’s significant evidence that summer camp helps kids improve their self-confidence and personal development, foster social skills, develop positive associations with physical activity, as well as increase their environmental awareness and emotional intelligence, all of which are skills that stick with them long after camp ends. And we believe that every child should have access to these opportunities, regardless of their circumstances.  

At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, our summer camps go beyond traditional experiences. They’re carefully crafted, adventure-driven programs that aim to ignite the spark in each individual child, shaping their confidence and social skills.  

With both day and overnight camp experiences for children ages six to 12, we offer specialty camp programs like youth leadership, science camp, arts camp, sports camps, and more. Our camps not only spark endless summer fun but also foster an environment where children can lay the foundation for a strong start and a bright future. 

Why choose YMCA camps for your child? 

  1. Build confidence and independence: our programs are designed to help kids build their confidence and independence through learning and developing new life skills, as well as through fun, active, and engaging physical activities. These programs help them build resilience and the courage to try new things.  
  2. Life changing experiences and screen-free time: our camps provide a much-needed break from screens and technology, encouraging kids to connect with each other and with nature, building lifelong friendships and memories. 
  3. Inclusive, safe, and supportive environment: YMCA staff are highly skilled and well trained to ensure the safety of our campers. We offer a welcoming space where every participant feels safe, supported, and valued throughout their experience. 
  4. Financial support: As a community-building charity, the YMCA is committed to reducing financial barriers and making camp accessible to all. This is made possible through our financial assistance program, which subsidizes the costs of attending summer camp. Last summer, we welcomed 1,822 campers to our YMCA day and overnight camps. Thanks to financial assistance, 376 of those campers were able to join us, giving more children and youth the chance to explore, grow, and thrive in the transformative camp environment.  

This summer, give your child the opportunity to shine to their fullest. Join our camp family to give them the ultimate summer experience with lots of fun, laughter, and most importantly, memories that will last a lifetime. And with the support of our community, the YMCA will continue to provide safe and inclusive spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive for generations to come. 

Learn more and register for our camp programs at www.ymcasummercamp.ca. 

Pictured above from left to right: Kseniia Tymchenko, YMCA Settlement Counsellor, Janie Harris, Fund volunteer and advocate to support CUAET holders, Kate Meeks, YMCA Director of Philanthropy, Dave Hamilton, Team Leader, YMCA Immigrant Services, Sherry Johnston, Branch Manager, Scotiabank, Barrie, Bayfield location, Adam Bonnell, District VP for Barrie & Area, Scotiabank, Rahim Premji, District VP for Muskoka & Near North, Scotiabank, Brianna Casey, Senior Manager Regional Marketing, Scotiabank.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is pleased to announce that Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE community investment initiative has invested $25,000 for the YMCA’s Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund to support newcomer Ukrainian families in Simcoe County.

Facing the adversity of war and displacement, Ukrainian families seeking safety and a new start endure unimaginable hardships and challenges. The journey from familiar surroundings to a foreign country with a new language and no support system comes with countless barriers. The YMCA, recognizing the critical need to support newcomers in our community, established the Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund to aid Ukrainian families arriving in Simcoe County. The Fund was born through the advocacy of selfless community volunteers seeking to meet the immediate needs of Ukrainian women and children under the Canadian-Ukraine Authorizations for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

Holders of CUAET, unlike refugees, qualify for temporary work permits in Canada for up to three years, thus receiving different supports from the Canadian Government. The YMCA’s dedicated Immigrant Services staff and volunteers are working tirelessly with CUAET holders to help them integrate into the Simcoe County community. The Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund aims to extend financial assistance beyond governmental aid, to meet essential needs including housing, food, healthcare, and other emergencies that may surface during the resettlement process not covered by government funding.

ScotiaRISE funding will help the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund fill the gap for Ukrainian families resettling in Simcoe County. This support is profoundly appreciated and will significantly enhance the YMCA’s efforts to help Ukrainian newcomers make a new start.

Jill Tettmann, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, stated, “With our Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund, we strive to serve as a beacon of hope, providing crucial resources and support to those building new lives in our community. This program would not be possible without our remarkable volunteers and the extraordinary YMCA Immigrant Services team. Staff members like Yana Skybin, our Settlement Counsellor, are doing incredible work on a daily basis providing Ukrainian families with much needed supports adjusting to life in Canada.”

Tettmann also extended her sincere thanks to Scotiabank on behalf of YMCA staff, volunteers, and Ukrainian families, for their support of the Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund: “We express our deepest gratitude to Scotiabank for their ScotiaRISE partnership and support which promises to make a significant impact on many families’ lives. This funding will empower our team to continue bringing critical services to Ukrainian newcomers and their families as they start anew in our community.”

“ScotiaRISE helps support initiatives that provide opportunities for everyone to have the chance to reach their full potential,” said Adam Bonnell, District Vice-President for Barrie at Scotiabank. “By working together and supporting the YMCA’s Displaced Ukrainians Emergency Needs Fund, we can help create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

For more information on how you can help the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka continue to shine a light on those in need, visit their website at GiveToTheY.ca.

About ScotiaRise: ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank’s $500 million community investment initiative designed to help people in three focus areas: improving high school and post-secondary participation, removing career barriers, and supporting newcomer economic inclusion. ScotiaRISE also invests in programs that address reclamation of Indigenous language and culture as well as urgent and basic needs, such as improving access to basic supports like food and water, shelter and medical care. Since its launch in 2021, ScotiaRISE has invested over $150 million and partnered with over 300 organizations worldwide to provide the tools people need to reach their full potential.

By Karen Pulla, Vice President of Health, Wellness, and Community Impact, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

February is Heart Health month in Canada, and heart health is something we can all benefit from prioritizing, no matter where we are on our wellness journey. By making small, intentional choices every day—like staying active, eating well, and keeping informed—we can strengthen our hearts and support our well-being. I know first-hand how important this is, having experienced a recent cardiac incident, and taking small steps now can have a big impact in building a healthier future for ourselves and our loved ones. Finding a friend who shares in your choices for a healthy lifestyle is what worked for me! 

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, heart disease is the second leading cause of death across Canada, although the good news is that 80% of premature heart disease and strokes can be prevented. No matter your age or health status, prioritizing good heart health is key. Healthy habits like eating well, being active, managing stress, and living smoke free, are all paramount in heart disease prevention. Physical activity plays a huge role in heart health, and our wellness overall. In fact, those who lead inactive lifestyles are at twice the risk of experiencing heart disease and strokes.  

As a community building charity, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is focused on building healthier, more connected communities, and one key way we do so is by ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to stay active and improve their health and wellness – regardless of their circumstances. That includes helping them take the small steps that can help reduce the risk of things like heart disease and strokes, and other preventable health challenges. And, when these challenges do occur, we are committed to being there to support individuals in our community as they recover.  

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has partnered with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to introduce the Heart Wise Exercise program certification at our five Health, Fitness & Aquatics facilities.  

The Heart Wise Exercise program is specialized for individuals aiming to maintain their health, as well as those managing chronic conditions. The success of this program has been achieved by working with fitness providers in our community to develop and identify programs and classes that are appropriate to your health needs. 

Our Heart Wise accredited programs include: 

Additionally, in partnership with local health care institutions, including a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program provided by Georgian Bay Family Health Team and YMCA Staff, the Heart Care Partnership Program is a program designed for individuals recovering from and managing existing heart conditions. This 24-week program focuses on increasing participants’ exercise tolerance and includes a series of educational sessions led by a Kinesiologist.  

In an attempt to ensure a full benefit experience, make the programs more accessible to those living with chronic illness, as well as prioritize their health, the YMCA provides healthcare memberships for those enrolled in the Health Care Partnership Programs through a doctor’s referral. The membership perks include additional companion membership, drop-off areas and free parking. 

With the Heart and Stroke Foundation reporting that 80% of premature heart disease and strokes are preventable through healthy eating, the YMCA offers our members a complimentary healthy eating meal planning program, called EatPlantJoy which is available through Y@Home+. Fueling your heart with healthy eating plays a key role in good heart health. Through this program developed by Dr. Sarah Lucas, she provides heart-conscious recipes to help you make healthy choices in your daily meals. 

With the Y’s strong beliefs in building a healthier community at the forefront, last year alone we impacted over 25,000 people through our Health, Fitness & Aquatics programs. We helped them build healthy, active habits and improve their overall well-being. As we celebrate Heart Health this month, we urge you to join us in building a stronger and healthier community. Whether it’s eating healthier, moving your body more or adjusting to a healthier lifestyle overall, the YMCA is here to help. Remember, a strong heart is the road to a healthy and long-lasting life. And if you are finding it difficult to prioritize your health due to time or finances, please speak to one of our expert staff today to get you connected with a personal trainer or talk to you about our financial assistance program. And maybe you can find a friend that shares your passion to keep your heart healthy!