Tom Vosper began his speech with some enlightening facts about public perception of the YMCA. 96% of people in the GTA know about the YMCA; 91% think that the YMCA is doing a good job. But only 6% of the people in the GTA have either donated money to or volunteered at the YMCA.

The YMCA has been in the GTA since 1853 and is primarily known as a “swim & gym.” In fact, the YMCA is a leading Canadian charity. In the GTA alone, over 286,000 members receive financial assistance – they do not turn away anyone from membership. There are 233 programme locations across the GTA and the YMCA has the largest number of childcare spaces. Their newcomer centres – which help with ESL, schooling, housing and health care- helped over 50,000 newcomers in 2008.

They also help with youth employment, they run summer camps and provide youth housing – where the youth also learn valuable life skills, cooking and can receive counselling if needed. Through their training kitchens (who receives a truck load of fresh food from Second Harvest daily), they teach people how to cook. The students help prepare over 800 meals every day. Tom is proud to say that the training kitchens have a 70%-80% success rate of employment.

The YMCA runs several events throughout the year, including a Corporate Team Challenge, a Golf Tournament, Childcare Walk and Volunteer Appreciation Evenings. They are always in need of sponsors and volunteers.