YMCA of Edmonton | YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

For Jim and his family, the Jamie Platz YMCA in Edmonton had always seemed out of reach. Jim knew his sons would enjoy playing sports and making new friends at the YMCA. However as a low income family relying on support from AISH (the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), extra-curricular activities were a luxury that he thought his family could not have.

One day on his way home with his oldest son, they decided to visit the YMCA to at least see what they may be able to enjoy one day. Jim was pleasantly surprised by the friendly staff and how at home he felt at the YMCA immediately. What Jim didn’t realize was that unlike for-profit fitness centers, the YMCA is a charity dedicated to building healthier communities. Families like Jim are the people that the YMCA is committed to serve.

Thanks to the funds raised by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, Jim and his family received an assisted membership to enjoy the facilities and programs at the Jamie Platz YMCA. Jim and his two boys, Jimmy, age 15, and Gabe age 13, immediately gravitated towards floor hockey.

The YMCA transformed the quality of life for Jim’s family. For Jim, who is living with a disability, it was a rare opportunity for him to spend some quality time with his boys, enjoying the same sport together. By making the YMCA available to Jim’s family members, they began to get more active and live healthier.

Most important of all, Jimmy and Gabe learned to appreciate the magic of gifting. Indeed money has always been tight for the family but the two teenagers decided to shovel snow to raise money to buy and donate two hockey nets to the YMCA as a gesture of their appreciation. One hundred driveways and a bus ride to the local store in the middle of winter in Edmonton later, Jimmy and Gabe donated their gifts to the YMCA with pride and joy.

One sponsored membership to the YMCA by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign has not only changed the life of a family but also produced two young generous teens, ready to give back to the community.