JohnYMCA of Peterborough Capital Campaign


Did you Know...

  • 1868 is the year that the YMCA, a non-profit charitable organization, was first established in Peterborough.
  • 108 years of programs and services have operated out of our current facility.
  • 6,000 members belong to the YMCA - approximately half are under the age of 25.
  • 17,000 people are involved in attending the YMCA on an annual basis.
  • 350,000+ visits are made annually to the current YMCA by members and program participants.
  • $300,000+ in subsidies are provided annually to those who cannot afford to pay for YMCA services.
  • 700+ children, youth, adults and families in the City and County are subsidized annually
  • 200+ skilled volunteers currently share their time and talents with expert YMCA staff.
  • 20% of the people involved in the YMCA live in the County.
  • 7 regional townships have YMCA programs operating in their areas.

But...

  • 42% of the YMCA's 100,000 square feet is unuseable - 100% requires maintenance, heat and hydro.
  • 13 doors, a maze of corridors and many stairs have to be negotiated in the current Y to reach a swimming pool - a challenge for those in wheelchairs.

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We've done our homework... It's time to move on

We've studied the costs, examined the alternatives. Dollar-for-dollar this makes the most sense. You want to spend in a way that serves the community best.

Haig Kelly, President
The Kelly Group

The plan to build a new YMCA is the culmination of years of study and consultation.

Our research shows that the cost of a total renovation, estimated at $17 to $19 million, would be greater than all new construction. The end result: a renovation without a solution to the physical access of the building and parking problems. Maintenance costs would continue to be high - program flexibility limited - future growth restricted. A new building at a cost of between $10-$12 million makes the most fiscal sense.

"Right now, too many resouces are devoted to keeping our current building afloat. That money could put more children in camp, more seniors in classes, more services in the community. In a new facility, we could quite literally double services to our children."

Bob Gallagher, CEO
YMCA of Peterborough

Our 108 year old facility, on the corner of George and Murray, is woefully inadequate for the multi-purpose needs of the 21st century.

A new YMCA - centrally located with ample parking will be a boon to our community as well as the people who participate in our programs and services - particularly our young families, the elderly and the physically challenged.

A new facility is all about ensuring the YMCA will continue to be a vital part of our community's social fabric for at least another century.

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Creating a strong sense of community

"I have always been impressed by the warmth and respect with which everyone is treated when they visit the YMCA; there is not a sense that you are treated differently because of your gender, ethnicity, age, ability, income or education. The YMCA is one place where an eclectic array of individuals can hang out together, have a few laughs and get in shape ­ in harmony. "

Linda Whetung
Grant, Willcox Whetung
Barristers and Solicitors
YMCA Member

Claire and SueThe YMCA has distinguished itself with a reputation for quality, cost-effective programs and services. Friendly, trained staff and volunteers have welcomed families and individuals for over a century, forging a warm fellowship among members and participants.

The YMCA is an integral player in our community's well-being.

The YMCA's commitment to caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are principles which have sustained the organization for 136 years. These core values have nurtured life-long memories... and strengthened the community in which we live.

The YMCA of Peterborough is an irreplaceable community asset.

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An investment...With value for the whole community

The YMCA of Peterborough is committed to re-investing in the community. It succeeds by:

  • providing financial assistance to people who could not otherwise afford its programs and services.
  • contributing to the vitality and health of the community through its fitness, educational, social service and outreach programs.
  • preparing for the community's future needs through a new YMCA facility.

In response to Vision 2010 ­ A strategic Plan for Peterborough's Recreation, Parks and Culture - the new YMCA will help meet the demand for improved recreational and aquatic facilities in our region.

We are a key asset to the City and County, in making our community a more attractive place in which to live, grow and invest.

We all have a stake in the YMCA's future.

"When companies are deciding to invest, community infra­structure is a top-ten issue... that means quality of life to support their people, and their ability to access those facilities... so yes, a new YMCA is a definite asset. "

Dave Bignell, President & CEO
Siemens Milltronics
Vice-Chair, Building New Memories Campaign

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The subsidy program at work

Two years ago I left Miami for Peterborough with my two school-aged sons clutching my hands. Based on my income, I received financial assistance for my membership and camp subsidy for my kids. My youngest, has Autism Spectrum Disorder. What have I learned? Swallowing my pride and asking for help has paid off. I'm thrilled with the positive experience my children have been exposed to through camp. Thank you - my sons have found a great place; a place they want and need to go back to.

Alison Rodriguez
YMCA Member

We are accessible to all. The YMCA never closes its doors to people who want to participate in its programs. YMCA Membership Assistance is available to people that are unable, not unwilling, to pay the full fee for a YMCA membership. At any given time, approximately 12% of those people using the YMCA receive financial help.

We provide dozens of essential community programs without federal or provincial funding.

No other organization serves so many people in so many ways. In fact, we're one of the largest charitible organizations in the community. Most people would be surprised by the number of activities and the $300,000 in subsidies we provide. That's a big impact on our community.

John MacDonald, Chair,
Building New Memories Campaign

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Financial accountability. Solid organizational management

Bill Blair"One of the reasons I feel so good about this organization is that it is accountable to its members, participants and the community."

Bill Blair, Partner
McColl Turner
Chartered Accountants YMCA Member

The YMCA of Peterborough is an independent, charitable organization governed by a local Board of Directors. It is our mandate to ensure that our doors are open to everyone regardless of physical or financial limitations.

The YMCA has been providing community and recreational services longer than any other association in Canada - and has learned a thing or two about project management and administration along the way.

The YMCA of Peterborough is fiscally prudent. It has, under its current management team, grown its membership from 1,800 in the late 1980s, to some 6,000 today. Incredibly, it has built a reserve of $1 million to be applied toward the construction of the new facility - for the benefit of the entire community.

We want to continue this expansion and growth.

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Our Vision...Building for generations to come

A modern YMCA will offer numerous advantages:

  • Enhanced physical accessibility for parents with young children, the elderly and the physically challenged
  • More efficient space utilization
  • Built-in flexibility for new programs and services
  • Lower operating costs
  • Ability to serve more people from our community with more programs and services
  • Ample room for parking
  • Large play areas for children
  • Room for potential future expansion

The new YMCA will be built on 5.4 acres of land on the former King Edward School site. It is an ideal location - served by bus routes and major arteries. County residents to the east, south and west will also find it easier to access our programs and services.

We are launching the Building New Memories Campaign  to provide more of the essential programs and services that are needed in our community. With a public goal of $3 million, we are inviting the community to help support a project that will serve the YMCA's mission and the public good...for generations to come.

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Building New Memories

"There's no question that the YMCA's programs benefit several townships, particularly through its daycare and other youth serving programs. But there's also many retired and working adults throughout the County who are members and participants and enjoy the YMCA experience. "

Dave Nelson, Former Warden,
County of Peterborough

YMCA Outreach Locations

Childcare: Peterborough YMCA and Lakefield
Before and after-school programs: Lakefield
After-school programs: Norwood, Havelock, Ennismore, South Monaghan
Summer Outreach Programs: Havelock, Keene, Ennismore, Curve Lake, Lakefield

I started swimming at the YMCA when I was four. There are lots of fond memories here - the first camp experience, first swimming lessons. None of that will be lost. In fact, it will be enhanced for a new generation.

Donald Curtis, M.D.
Board of Directors, YMCA of Peterborough

Since its founding, the YMCA has enjoyed the company of people who have exemplified a special spirit - a warmth that has shaped friendships and nurtured cherished memories. This fellowship is the legacy we will bring to our new surroundings...where Building New Memories... will begin all over again.

It's the only fitness place where I can come with my two-year-old grandson and there's something for both of us.

Fran Flanagan
YMCA Member

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Ways To Give

Financial support for the Building New Memories Campaign will be raised through contributions from individuals, corporations, businesses and foundations.

There are several opportunities for involvement. Here are three popular methods of making a gift to the Building New Memories Campaign.

Individual & Corporate Gifts
Your gift, along with those of many others, will be the foundation of a successful campaign. A pledge period of five years allows you to make a significant contribution toward reaching our goal.

Donations of Publicly Traded Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities will be accepted. It is recommended that donors discuss giving the gift of securities with their tax or financial advisor to receive the best advice for their situation.

Gifts-in-Kind
Gifts-in-Kind may be donated with the approval of the YMCA of Peterborough

Levels of Support

Y Friend
Y Partner
Y Sponsor
Y Builder
$10 - $999
$1,000 - $4,999
$5,000 - $9,999
$10,000 - $24,999
Y Steward
Y Leader
Y Founder
$25,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 plus

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