The Brockville and Area YMCA revealed the Annual Giving Campaign

Ian and Mary Jean McFall, co-chairs of the “2011 Annual Giving Campaign: The Power of Giving”, along with James Cooper, Chair of the Brockville and Area YMCA Board of Directors and Sandra Devaney, Senior Director of Association Services for the Y,  were present for the unveiling at 11:30 am.  Addressing the staff and volunteers present for the unveiling, Ian McFall said, “I am proud of the efforts of all involved.  The team truly came through by putting their energy and effort into so many initiatives and events to make sure we made our goal.”  He gave credit to the many staff, volunteers, members and donors alike that graciously gave their time, talent and/or treasure to make access to the YMCA a possibility for everyone. Mary Jean McFall added, “I am thrilled with the successful outcome of this year’s campaign and happy to continue to support the many families and children who gain access to the “Y” through the assisted membership/campership program.”

In 2010, with support from our Financial Assistance program, 1,235 individuals accessed the Brockville and Area YMCA's facilities and programs by making the financial contribution they could afford to make.  In addition, over 550 weeks of campership were granted to families to ensure their children could have the day camp experience during the summer school break.  A total of $69,000 was granted in camperships, and yet, our sources of support for camperships have diminished.  The total value of our support to our communities neared $400,000 in 2010.  We foresee the demand for our financial assistance to increase in 2011, and expect approximately 1,400 individuals to be in need of this support.  Our effort to garner your support on behalf of these individuals and families is more important than ever in our past.

Some of the statistics for our area showed that the current need for such programs continues to grow. *Rates of physical inactivity are 1/3 higher among Lanark, Leeds and Grenville residents with low income.
*Income and social status are recognized as the most important determinants of health.
*59.9% of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville residents are overweight or obese.
*There is a 10.6% incidence of low income amongst Brockvillians, compared to 7.0% for Leeds and Grenville, and 6.6% for the South East region in Ontario.
*Unemployment rate in Brockville stands at 5%, while Leeds and Grenville's rate is 4.0%.
*Nearly 50% of poor families in Leeds and Grenville said the high cost was a reason for not participating in recreation. Even if the program is free, they cannot afford to purchase the necessary equipment.

The Brockville and Area YMCA will continue to welcome donations throughout the year, and announce a final amount for the 2011 campaign effort at the Victory Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, September 8.

The Board of Directors and staff team are grateful to the community for their support, and to the Annual Giving Campaign team for a stalwart effort once again.  Through this support, more people will have the opportunity to lead healthy lives. The “Y” values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Reaching this year’s goal touched on all of them.