When people find a community where they belong, they shine.
At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we believe in creating spaces where everyone belongs.
This is especially true for our upcoming 12th annual Move to Give fundraising event, presented by PureHealth Pharmacy. Not only is this a lively fundraising event across Simcoe and Muskoka, but it is also a celebration of the Y’s mission. It ensures that financial barriers never stand in the way of vital community and wellness support.
Behind every dollar raised are stories of transformation, resilience, and connection. Today, we’re honoured to share two incredible stories that highlight the impact of Move to Give and our YMCA.
Isaac’s Story
For Isaac, the YMCA has always been a part of his life. As a child, he remembers walking into the Y with his mom for swimming lessons, feeling both nervous and excited. The Y was a place of joy and safety. It was a second home where he could splash in the pool, explore programs, and leave with a smile on his face. But as Isaac grew older, life outside the Y became more challenging.
At school, Isaac struggled with bullying and self-doubt. “I was usually one of the bigger kids in my class, and every year, I got made fun of,” he recalls. “I felt uncomfortable in my own body and didn’t feel confident in anything—not how I looked, not how I felt, and definitely not in how I fit into the world around me.”
Everything changed when Isaac and his family returned to the YMCA three years ago. “We all joined for different reasons, but we all needed the same thing: a place where we could grow, feel accepted, and be supported,” he shares. The Y welcomed them with open arms, offering encouragement and a sense of belonging. For Isaac, it wasn’t just about working out or changing how he looked. It was about discovering his inner strength and building confidence.
“Now, almost two years later, I’m not the same person I was when I walked through those doors,” Isaac says.
“I’ve changed physically, yes—but more importantly, I’ve changed mentally and emotionally. I’m confident. I hold my head higher. I believe in myself. I smile more, laugh more, and feel like I finally belong, not just at the Y, but in my own life.”
Last year, Isaac gave back by volunteering at the Move to Give fundraiser in Collingwood, helping with registrations and playing an active role during the event. “The Y gave me more than a gym. It gave me strength, hope, confidence, and family—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Leo’s Story
For Leo, the YMCA means community.
Leo, 59, has been a part of the Midland YMCA for nearly 20 years, working in general maintenance and bringing smiles to everyone he meets. “I like the people, I like the work,” he says. “Maintaining long-term friendships, seeing familiar faces, and being part of a welcoming community are what keep me coming back.”
Leo has been part of Move to Give for about five years. Though he will not be participating in the official Pickleball Tournament this year, he has people pledge him to walk around the gym for three straight hours. “If I get tired, I just keep going,” he says. When fellow members and staff clap and cheer him on, he gets motivated. “The more they cheer the more energy I get.”
Leo has Spina Bifida, and a condition that causes the left side of his body to be shorter than the right. When asked how this affects his participation, he is determined: “Oh, that won’t stop me.”
He recalls his childhood determination. “At times, my friends would say ‘you can’t do that, you have a disability’ but I just said, ‘watch me’ and proved them wrong.” He compares himself to the classic story, The Little Engine That Could.
“I am like that little engine when I walk around the gym, ‘I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.’”
When asked why he supports the Y, Leo’s answer is simple:
“The Y brings happiness to people. It makes me happy because I am treated really well here. As soon as I arrive, I am welcomed.”
For Leo, the YMCA is a place of connection, purpose, and joy. “Every person that comes here, it’s like a gathering place where they make friends. The gym is secondary.”
Leo’s efforts in Move to Give fill him with pride. “It feels that I’ve done something that others really appreciate. I feel proud. I feel supported. I feel like I belong at the YMCA.”
Join our 12th Annual Move to Give
Isaac and Leo’s stories are powerful reminders of what makes the YMCA so special: the people, the connections, and the unwavering support that transforms lives.
Move to Give is your opportunity to be part of this incredible community. Whether you join an event, make a donation, or simply come to see the Y in action, you can help create moments of strength, connection, and joy – just like Isaac and Leo have experienced!
Together, we can ensure that income is never a barrier to wellness and community support. Join us for Move to Give and help us continue to change lives.
Donate or participate today at movetogive.ca.