When 3 yr old Rashid first came to the Y child care program he coudn’t speak or understand English. His family had come to Canada to begin a new life. It wasn’t easy for Rashid - he was frustrated and scared - but the Y staff and other children in the program took him into their care. He was beginning to thrive and his English was improving.

When Rashid’s dad told me he could no longer keep Rashid in the Y program because his funding had been reduced I was so pleased to tell him about the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. With financial assistance from the Y, the whole family was able to participate with a Y membership, and dad could continue his studies with peace of mind.

From Michelle in St. John’s