After reading this, the YMCA sent along this:
Dear David Akin:
Re: Your December 19 blog regarding the YMCA and government funding for new facility in St. John’s
We were glad to read about the YMCA being of service to you in several Ontario communities and your support of the YMCA’s approach to fundraising, which is fundamentally based on community support and is volunteer driven. We do, however, wish to set the record straight regarding government funding for YMCA facilities. Your article of December 19, suggests that federal funding for a new YMCA facility (in St. John’s) is unique to the YMCA in Canada, when in fact, that is not entirely accurate.
As a charity, the YMCA has always relied on fundraising and government funding not just for facility development but for much needed services for those who are marginalized in society. Our commitment to serving all Canadians is reflected in our practices of being accessible to all through YMCA financial support. Fundamental to our mission is our deep belief in voluntarism and philanthropy.
As you are well aware, the YMCA is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for generations to come and to collaborating with others to achieve this goal. To achieve this, the first step in developing a new facility in any community is to conduct market research to be certain that local residents strongly desire and support a new facility to ensure its sustainability. Once adequate community support exists, most YMCAs independently approach municipal, provincial and federal governments to seek funding in conjunction with community support. As a federation, each association is autonomous and determines its own funding plan. However, over the last 8 years, many YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs have applied for and received some level of government funding towards renovations or new facility developments.
As a community builder, the YMCA creates a sense of belonging and responds to local community needs. Programs offered in St. John’s will not entirely mirror those offered in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Calgary, Alberta or Victoria, British Columbia. Our community-based approach encompasses a framework that seeks social inclusion, economic viability, local self-reliance, and an environment that provides for the full growth of all citizens in spirit, mind and body.
Recognizing this value added, governments as well as school boards, hospitals, and other health agencies are partnering with YMCAs in a myriad of different ways to help meet community needs for many years to come.
We hope you will continue to support and participate at your local YMCA. We greatly appreciate your contributions to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Yours sincerely,
Marty Reynolds
Chair, YMCA Canada Board of DirectorsWayne Perkins
President & CEO, YMCA Canada