A town’s local YMCA is an integral part of its community, not just for the important opportunities it offers, but for the inclusivity and welcome it provides.
The YMCA’s annual Move to Give Campaign raises funds and spreads awareness for the various programs and services it provides for the community. 2023 marks the ninth year of this campaign, which is a week of fundraising activities and initiatives held at various YMCA locations throughout Simcoe/Muskoka from April 29 to May 6.
“The Move to Give Campaign supports the growth and development of healthy communities,” said Saleem Hall, employment specialist and community liaison for YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
For the campaign, each YMCA location in Simcoe/Muskoka holds a different fundraising activity at their respective locations, such as Zumba and pickleball. The Huntsville location joined in on the cause on May 3 with their bike pedal challenge aptly named “Spin for Newcomers in Muskoka,” in which any member of the community could come and leisurely pedal on one of the stationary bikes or engage in friendly competition with another participant, all in an effort to encourage donations. Community members can also donate online or participate virtually through the activity passport found on the Move to Give website.
The Huntsville YMCA specializes in offering employment and learning services in Muskoka, and each year the campaign focuses on a specific area of support within these fields. This year’s initiatives are specially geared towards offering ESL (English Second Language) courses to newcomers in the Muskoka community.
“We’re raising funds to support ESL courses for a number of new Canadians who are finding their way here,” Hall said. “And no surprise, they want to live, work, and play in Huntsville and what better organization to support them and help them integrate and to feel comfortable in the community. Language is the grand equalizer when it comes to filling a part and making us whole, and the YMCA plays a critical role in doing that.”
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock and Deputy Mayor Dan Armour were present at the event and visited an ESL class being held at the YMCA building. Alcock addressed the Ukrainian students in the class and graciously welcomed them to the Muskoka community.
“I just want you to feel welcome, and if there’s anything you need, you’ve got great resources here [at the YMCA],” Alcock said. “Welcome to our community, we hope that you stay and we hope that we can do everything we can to make you happy.”
Other Huntsville Council members and first responders were also invited to the event and Hall expressed his gratitude for the extraordinary show of support the YMCA receives from its community.
“The community has really rallied behind us and I think it speaks to what this region’s all about,” he said. “It’s about volunteerism, it’s about welcoming individuals who are trying to create a new home, and what better place to call home than Huntsville?”
Hall emphasized the importance of the event, not only for its ability to raise much-needed funds, but also because it provides an opportunity for people to meet their local YMCA and learn about the services it provides, services they may not even be aware are available. Events such as these spread the YMCA’s mission across the community and help to extend the helping hand they openly offer to all.
“One of the values the YMCA lives and breathes is making sure that people have an opportunity to thrive in their community,” Hall said. “It is about equal access, and it is about making sure the people are given the opportunity to succeed, whatever that may look like.”
To date, the YMCA has reached over half of its $75,000 goal, with over $41,000 raised.
To donate, visit HERE
Front: Nancy West, Christina James (on treadmill) and Emily Denniston.
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To Robert Graziano
I do so hope a senior apartment becomes available to you very soon. So many people in this area (and beyond) need safe, affordable housing. New housing in this area is not affordable for the average citizen.
As for “newcomers…should brace themselves for the Racism in this area,” unfortunately and sadly, racism is still everywhere. Sometimes it’s overt; sometimes it’s covert. In any case, White Privilege remains the order of the day.
It’s nice to welcome new comers to Muskoka and even nicer if they could find an affordable place to live.A lot of talk and NO action for low income housing. I have been waiting seven years for a senior apt after having to apply a second time because I was removed (Wrongly) from the waiting list.And newcomers to Muskoka should brace themselves for the Racism in this area and you all have seen and heard it.