The Owen Sound Grey Bruce YMCA is receiving a $6,000 donation following the inaugural Cobble Beach Lighthouse Fun Run.
YMCA Communications Lead April Robinson says this first ever five kilometre run held on April 30, which saw over 200 participants, acted as a fundraiser for the YMCA’s financial assistance program.
“The program last year alone helped about 247 individuals and we actually subsidize memberships here to allow people to have access to health, fitness and aquatic programs here at the YMCA, and last year alone, the financial assistance program gave out about $83,000,” says Robinson.
The YMCA says while they believe everyone should have access to health, fitness and aquatic programs regardless of financial circumstances, there are many in Grey and Bruce who lack the resources to participate, with about 15 per cent of children and seniors across the region living below the poverty line.
Robinson says, “as a charity dedicated to building healthy communities, our goal is to ensure that our programs and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Thanks to donations like these, we can help people be active, build confidence, make friends, and create lasting memories at the YMCA.”
She adds they hope the run will become an annual event at Cobble Beach.
“Cobble Beach is already discussing organizing another event for next year,” says Robinson.
More information on accessing the financial assistance program can be found on the YMCA website here.