Why The Y
Mike at the gym

How the Y helps change career paths: Mike’s Story

Mike joined the YMCA in July 2023 through London’s Y Opportunities Employment Services Program. Through this program Mike wanted to change his career path and use his past skills and experiences and w
Jun 26, 2024
Why The Y
Participants at event

Connor & Scott's Y Story

Y Opportunities is an employment program that assists people with diagnosed or self-identified disabilities to overcome their barriers to employment.Meet Y Opportunities participant, Connor, and his e
May 28, 2024
Why The Y
Tashar at Gym

Tashar: Making Connections at the Y

I’m Tashar and I’m from India. I’ve been in Canada for almost three years now, working as a customs broker for two years.I’ve been to a few gyms around town and I personally feel that the Y is the bes
Apr 30, 2024
Why The Y
Ruot

Ruot's Y Story

I am a refugee from Sudan who came to Canada under a government assisted refugee program (GAR) in July 2000. I arrived here with my wife kwaci Nywala and three of our children - Keak, Nancy, and Tessi
Apr 29, 2024
Why The Y
Mary at branch

Mary’s Y Story

Meet Mary, a YMCA volunteer at the membership desk at Stoney Creek YMCA, Community Centre & Library. Mary first started as a member in 2012 and now she’s often the first point of contact when peop
Apr 15, 2024
Why The Y
Volunteer sitting

Volunteer Stories – Volunteer Week (April 14th-20th)

Lindsey’s Y StoryMeet Lindsey, a fitness instructor volunteer at Centre Branch YMCA!“I am in my 8th year of teaching fitness classes at the Y! I started becoming more active and taking classes at the
May 21, 2024
Why The Y
Courtney at Gym

Courtney: 100 Pounds Lighter & I Love my Y

I’m Courtney, I’m 34 years old and I’m a mother of three. I’ve been a member since February 2012. Back at the end of September 2016, I went on a weight loss journey. Between then and the summer of 201
Apr 5, 2024
Why The Y
Camp
Daniil smiles and poses with a day camp counsellor in costume at the StarTech.com YMCA.

Liliia's Y Story

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022 Liliia's Y Story   My son and I left Ukraine before the war and we arrived in Canada a few months ago. My husband is still in Ukraine because men under 61 are
Aug 1, 2023
Health and Fitness
Why The Y
October 10 - World Mental Health Day. Image: An illustration of a woman closing her eyes with leaves in her hair, next to a green ribbon.

World Mental Health Day: October 10, 2022

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022 World Mental Health Day: October 10, 2022 World Mental Health Day has been declared by the World Health Organization as an annually recognized day to raise awareness ab
Aug 1, 2023