Local YMCA's 'The Y Saves Lives' Campaign Gets Start Thanks to Ontario Government Funding

Hamilton, ON – On Thursday, Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama met with the team at YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford to hear more about the $62,800 Resilient Communities Fund Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to launch The Y Saves Lives comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The project will transform countless lives in the region by raising $25 million to significantly enhance the YMCA’s capacity to meet urgent community needs, aiming to double the reach of crucial services that promote health, well-being, and empowerment.

“The YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, and Brantford has an inspiring vision to create a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. As the organization serves people of all ages through programs that promote health and well-being, supports families with their childcare needs, assists immigrants as they settle into a new city, and offers several other vital services, I’m pleased to be able to congratulate the YMCA on receiving the Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation” said Sarah Jama, MPP for Hamilton Centre. “Our Hamilton Centre team is excited to continue referring constituents to excellent programs and supportive services and sends many thanks to the staff who consistently offer care to community members.”

With the $62,800 Resilient Communities Fund Grant the YMCA will rebuild and recover from impacts of COVID-19 by developing a fund development plan and case for support that will re-align our YMCA's fundraising activities with emerging giving trends.
The Y Saves Lives campaign raises awareness about the wide array of services in the YMCA’s ecosystem, as philanthropic efforts further enhance the mission’s reach and impact. This multi-year initiative will improve access for those facing barriers, strengthen recovery programs for trafficking survivors, and enhance educational, career development, mental health, and active aging programs. Our targeted approach prioritizes the needs of young people and seniors in underserved communities, ensuring they receive the essential support needed to thrive.

“The Y Saves Lives is more than an expansion of services—it's a commitment to transformative impact across our communities. We’re calling on everyone who values a healthier, more inclusive society to help us empower individuals and families to thrive amidst challenges,” Manny Figueiredo, President and CEO, YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is a charitable organization that creates spaces to belong and promotes healthy living for people at all stages of life. Across more than 120 locations in Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, and Haliburton, we are a charity committed to promoting equity and improving the health and well-being of people of all backgrounds, abilities, including at-risk and marginalized members of our community.

The Spring Campaign for the YMCA is currently underway. Living under The Y Saves Lives, every donation made this Spring helps give children access to life-saving programming like swimming lessons, day camp, and overnight camp and helps give seniors access to life-saving health and wellness programming. A gift this spring will have double the impact thanks to a dollar-for-dollar matching gift from our presenting sponsor Alinea Land Corporation.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

For more information, please contact: 
 
Shawn McKillop, APR 
Senior Vice President, Communications and Digital Transformation   
YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford   
905-317-4900  
shawn.mckillop@ymcahbb.ca   

#ShineOn #YSavesLives 

At the YMCA, we support people at every stage of life, helping them overcome any obstacle they may face. When you donate to the YMCA you spark the potential in every young person, adult and senior.

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