7Jun23 Donation  to YMCA bus to Camp

13 members and two guests. 

Below: from left Tracey Regional Fundraising coordinator YMCA, President Barbara, Pat presenting cheque, Amy Luciano manager of St Thomas and Woodstock YMCA

Mark introduced Amy to the Club.  The YMCA has graciously donated a membership prize for the Discovery Tour for 3 years now.  Amy's goal is to Serve the community and create positive changes.

 

Amy said that they start every meeting with a “Y story”.  Amy told the story of Jordan whose experience as a summer camp counsellor directed her future education and career path. 

 

The Y emphasizes "Spirit, mind and body" for those of disabilities; no one is turned away. Stats: 3000 members, 13,000 visits a month, over 3000 adult fitness participants each month, 890 summer campers/year.  There are inclusion counsellors for swimmers and campers working with children.  32% of members receive financial assistance.  Currently offering $21,000 per month in financial assistance.  

The Y supports CMHA and Children’s Services.

 

Tracy – Regional Fundraising Staff Coordinator
Tracy talked about “Community Starts Here” (that name replaced “Strong Kids”) and is about community subsidization of Y programs in our home communities. Fill the Bus Campaign".

4 pillars for giving:
1-Thriving Kids and Youth (pool programs)
2-Health and Wellness 
3-Strong Communities – support for newcomers to community and language services
4-Camp Experiences

Giving funds can be channelled to our local YMCA. Also, can be targeted to a specific pillar.  Tracy is looking for Y advocates to help approach community members and organizations to pitch support for the Y. 

 

What is the proportion of donors? – 90% membership fees fund the Y, which receives no government assistance.  Two larger gifts from a bequest and community foundation.  No funding from United Way.

 

Mark asked about the closing of several Y’s in the Niagara Peninsula which where largely taken over by the cities.  Covid did not help with decreasing memberships which have now returned in St. Thomas at the 60% level.  Capital projects can access financial support within the regional association which is a benefit.

 

Pat thanked Amy and Tracy. Pat noted her doctors credit her involvement at the  Y with keeping her in good health despite her poor health at times.  As Community Director, Pat presented a cheque for $1500 in support for Y campers and Y summer busing; $700 came from funds raised by volunteering at Jackpot Time in St. Thomas. 

 

Report from the Hero's lunch 6Jun23 :300 of 400 hospital staff were treated with lunch; 8apples and 2 drink boxes were left over. We can measure the impact of the event because the President from the hospital said the mood was lifted. Cost was $445. The home made cookies were a hit, a repeat has been requested.

 

Tickets for the Changeover meal at Pinafore will remain on sale util the 15th of June.

 

District 10: Gerry reported Rotary clubs in District 10 have changed; Lambeth went back with London and now includes 2 Passport clubs.

 

Catharine was a fantalist in the "Tales of Triumph" Canada Post contest.

 

50/50 winner was Maggie

Happy Finns

Maggie - winning 50/50

Nancy - Hero's lunch, we have same values as YMCA

Stew- Moved Alma College Square, sailboat being sold, YMCA speakers, going to trailer

Mark -Hero's Lunch, family visits

Trudy - Hero's lunch , YMCA speakers, Interactors, away at Ontario Police board convention

Barb - Trip to BC to see son, ACT giving props to Periscope theatre Pt Burwell, 24Nov ACT doing "Wait for Christmas event"

Gerry - Catharines finalist with Canada Post "Tales of Triumph". YMCA speakers, Hero's lunch

Malcolm - YMCA speakers, work of YMCA

 

Malcolm is asking members to think of one place to meet for summer.

Deadline to register for District Conference is 12Jun23. Register here: https://www.d6330conference.org/