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Making waves at the YMCA

A large donation will help a lot of struggling families

  • Kelowna location is a multi-use facility
  • COVID-19 created isolation and low activity
  • YMCA has a financial assistance program

From a swimming pool to a gym and playground, the Kelowna Family YMCA has everything for a fun day out with the family. And thanks to a large gift from the Stober Foundation, a lot of people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to go, can.

The group is making a three-year, $50,000 donation per year to the YMCA’s financial assistance program.

“The donation from the Stober Foundation is absolutely incredible,” Rhonda Zakala, vice-president of marketing and fund development at YMCA Okanagan told Kelowna10.

The financial assistance program allows low-income or vulnerable families and individuals equal access to the YMCA facility and programs. This includes things like swimming lessons, camps, childcare, playschool, boys and girls groups, and more.

Further, the Stober Foundation is helping to fund part of an outdoor learning space at the new YMCA of Okanagan Dilworth Centre. It provides essential childcare to over 80 children each day. Altogether, the foundation will have gifted over $200,000.

Zakala said it all comes at an important moment for the community after difficult times.

“Right now, during COVID, as we know isolation, inactivity, mental health, it’s all on the top of everybody’s minds. A lot of families have been really, really impacted,” she said.

“This gift is going to allow those families to come in here, have a place to belong, a place to be active together, [enjoy all these programs] and all the rest.”

In a media release, Stober Foundation Director and Lead Philanthropist Keith Brewster said the YMCA plays a critical role in the community, calling the money an investment in the city’s health and well being.

“These are extremely challenging times both in terms of our health and economy,” he said. “The Stober Foundation is honored and proud to support an organization like the YMCA who has worked hard to adapt in innovative ways to care for our communities' most vulnerable members, all while promoting the importance of both community and recreation.”

Welcoming evacuees

Meanwhile, in an invitation to all evacuees from flooded Merritt, the YMCA announced Friday they are welcome to use the facilities free of charge.

"Evacuees can visit the Kelowna Family YMCA in Rutland, H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre in Mission, or the Downtown YMCA at no cost," the organization said in a media release. "Evacuees simply need to visit the YMCA with identification that includes their photo and home address to participate."

Published 2021-11-19 by David Hanson

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