The 2011 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign has started off with a bang!

Already, early in 2011 we are seeing more storytellers and more donors – folks are getting involved and making great things happen in their community so that no one is turned away from the YMCA – particularly children and youth.

We are delighted you have taken the step to learn more about the YMCA, to consider becoming a donor-investor and perhaps plan to participate in this year’s YMCA Strong Kids campaign by sharing your YMCA story online.

The YMCA Strong Kids campaign helps to benefit thousands of families and children throughout Canada by providing financial assistance to those unable to pay the full fee. Instead of focusing on what children and their families don’t have, we focus on providing them with the tools they need to succeed in life. Thanks to everyone who has shared a story, volunteered, asked for contributions, and donated. Your YMCA is there to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

What’s New…Campaign boost received from Corus Entertainment, Mandarin Restaurants in southern Ontario and Loblaw Companies

The YMCA sincerely thanks:

Corus Entertainment, one of Canada’s most successful integrated media and entertainment companies, is adding television and online support to this year’s YMCA Strong Kids campaign. The media plan will continue to include radio airtime across Corus’ radio stations and will also reach kids and families across Canada through Corus’ specialty channels – YTV, W Network and CMT. This year-round partnership kicks off on February 15th with the launch of the YMCA Strong Kids fundraising campaign.

Mandarin Restaurants –21 Mandarin Restaurants in southern Ontario have collectively contributed $42,000 to their local YMCAs – each of the 21 YMCAs involved will be able to welcome an additional 20 children/youth to participate at their local YMCA with an annual Health, Fitness and Recreation membership. The Mandarin has been honoured numerous times since first opening in 1979 by the Toronto Sun’s Reader’s Choice Awards and others in Ontario.

Loblaw Companies, one of Canada’s largest national retail grocers, recently made a charitable donation to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The $100,000 gift is earmarked to assist YMCAs across the country with membership subsidies for children. This significant investment will enable nearly 1,000 children to benefit from a full year membership at their local YMCA.

DECOSTA is now in their fourth year as our YMCA Strong Kids Marketing partner. They have provided several tens of thousands of dollars of pro bono services to help create our campaign and to build a high level of engagement within each Association across the country. DECOSTA is a professional services and consulting firm that engages audiences through the creation and delivery of strategic marketing, sales, and business solutions.