Provincial funding helping keep the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario running

On Friday, Sudbury MPP Jamie West met with the YMCA to see how $246,000 in funding from Community Building Fund–Operating stream grant from the Government of Ontario and the OTF was able to help recover from pandemic closures. (Supplied)

Last year, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, was awarded $246,000 from Community Building Fund–Operating stream grant from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help pay fixed operating costs for the facilities in Sudbury and North Bay.

On Friday, Sudbury MPP Jamie West met with the YMCA to see how that funding was able to help recover from pandemic closures.

 “Helen Francis (President and CEO) and the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario team deserve a huge congratulations on their successful OTF application,” West said in a press release.

“This funding will ensure that the Y’s essential programs and services remain accessible to individuals, families, and the broader community they serve. I’d like to sincerely acknowledge their team for their unwavering dedication, perseverance and overall commitment to the health, wellbeing, and growth of our community and wish them all the best in the years to come.”

The YMCA was better able to resume operations following pandemic-related closures thanks to this fund. They were able to focus on providing health and wellness-based programs and services for communities.

“Despite frequent temporary closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fixed operating costs of our facilities still needed to be paid,” Francis said in an email to CTV News Northern Ontario.

“Without members and participants in the building, we were in a position where paying those costs became challenging. As we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, and see our membership and participant numbers increase, this support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation was critical in ensuring we had a viable operating model.”

YMCA officials said they responded to the challenges of COVID-19 but they need support now more than ever to help communities when they need it most; they are asking people to get involved or donate if they can. 

More information on the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario and their programs can be found on their website.