$136,200 Ontario Government Grant revitalizes space for Hemophilia program at YMCA Wanakita

Haliburton, ON — On Wednesday, MPP Laurie Scott met virtually with representatives from the YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford to hear how a $136,200 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation is making a local impact. The funds from the grant, awarded in the fall of 2023, were used to revitalize the Bayer Den, a unique space where campers with bleeding disorders receive care and support while attending traditional overnight camp at YMCA Wanakita in Haliburton.

"The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided a capital grant of over $136,000 to assist in building inclusive spaces to ensure all individuals are able to participate fully in camp life,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “Not only will this investment improve access for campers, but it will also support a healthy lifestyle while keeping participants active.”

In partnership with Hemophilia Ontario, the Bayer Den offers a special setting that empowers those young people living with Hemophilia to learn critical skills for managing their condition in a safe, encouraging environment. Revitalizing the Bayer Den means YMCA Wanakita can continue to provide a supportive environment for a number of campers to take control of their health and self-infuse their medications.

“This support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will have a lasting impact, ensuring YMCA Wanakita is an inclusive and accessible space, especially for those in our Hemophilia program at camp,” said Andy Gruppe, Vice President of Overnight Camp and Outdoor Education. “Thanks to OTF, YMCA Wanakita will be able to enhance this space and continue fostering these life-changing experiences. It means young people with bleeding disorders can participate in camp like everyone else.”

The OTF grant covered the creation and installation of new ramps and a new deck at the Bayer Den to ensure this popular and transformative space is accessible and barrier-free for campers and staff. This initiative underscores the YMCA’s commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities through innovative programs and partnerships.

As a charitable organization, YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford and YMCA Wanakita are dedicated to promoting healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.

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.