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.
