YMCA receives $40,000 to subsidize memberships for struggling families

The funding comes at an optimal time for the YMCA of Medicine Hat, who are just now getting back on their feet with summer camps and fitness facilities getting the green light in recent weeks.

“We’re a charity, which means we operate on cost recovery and something like COVID-19 that shut us down for four months has a big impact,” said Hayward. “So, it’s funding like this that helps us continue to serve the community and meet the gaps.”

Facilitating the funding to the YMCA is something that Community Foundation community engagement coordinator Niki Gray said is what her organization is all about.

“Organizations across southeast Alberta are doing amazing things to help support our vulnerable populations,” said Gray. “Being able to take care of some health and wellness, both mentally and physically, is hugely important to us and for our community of Medicine Hat.”

The downtown YMCA location is expected to formally re-open to the public at 5:30 on Monday morning next week, following the Southridge location’s lead in recent weeks.

However, Hayward admits its been a grind getting the facility ready for re-opening.

“We were in Phase 3 initially, so we thought we had more time,” she said. “We’ve undertaken about $150,000 worth of capital improvements to our facilities. When we got news we could open in Phase 2 we were excited, but that accelerated all of our timelines. So, we should have most everything wrapped up by Monday and be ready to welcome members to our downtown facility.”

Those looking to access the subsidized memberships are encouraged to contact the YMCA next week for more information.

As for the Community Foundation, they’ve given out over $250,000 in funding since the federal government announced the COVID-19 relief money this spring.

“We typically only have two granting cycles a year,” said Gray. “But since May 19, we’ve been reviewing and approving applications on a weekly basis. So, it has been intense and it is really encouraging to see all of the organizations doing everything that they’re doing for our communities.”

They have roughly $113,000 remaining in their first pool of applications, with that deadline coming on July 27.

Non-profits and charities are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation at 403-527-9038 to find out more.

by Scott Roblin

YMCA receives $40,000 to subsidize memberships for struggling families

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