Dear Friends,
In light of the pandemic and the events of the last week, I wanted to reach out to our valued donors and provide an update.
We take our role seriously and live by our mission of responsibility, respect, honesty, caring and inclusion all wrapped in a charitable organization that maintains a culture of supporting mind, body and spirit.
In consultation with public health experts and our incredible staff team, we have determined that the best way to deliver on our mission right now is to close our March break camps, Health, Fitness and Aquatic facilities, and Child Care centres until April 6. We must be leaders in limiting the spread of COVID-19. As a result 90% of our work force has been laid off, and we cancelled all current payments from members and program participants. Our community is counting on us to be leaders in slowing the spread of the virus and will need us in the coming days.
As donors, we value our relationship with you immensely and we wanted to share these very difficult decisions at this time.
Please continue to support your family, friends and neighbors; be ambassadors of good will and the values of the Y. We will need everyone's help, diligence and support to get through this time.
We are confident that as a unified community with a strong and clear focus on caring for each other, we will endure, and when we re-open, the Y will be more important than ever. We will be ready to help build our strong communities, connect people when they will need it most, and offer programs and services to enable our communities to live healthy, active lives.
We have been heartened by the response of members and donors alike asking how they can support the Y at this time.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me.
With great respect,
Heidi Peever
VP Development
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
Heidi.peever@swo.ymca.ca
519-907-5500 x1150
Donations will continue to be accepted during this pause of our YMCA programs. To support our highest priority needs at this time click here
To support your local YMCA Strong Kids subsidy Campaign, when families need the Y click here
Financial Development Office
c/o YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
165 Elmwood Ave East | London, Ontario N6C 0A8
519-907-5500 ext 1152 | christina.harley@swo.ymca.ca
At the YMCA, we're all about people helping people. There are many ways you can support our goal of building healthy communities.
You can:
- Take charge of your own health.
- Volunteer your time and talent to help others.
- Support people in need through our annual Strong Kids Campaign.
- Support your community through our capital campaigns.
Or you can support YMCA special events and opportunities such as:
- Chatham-Kent YMCA Triathlon
- Healthy Kids Day Community Programs
