Community raises $120,000 and counting in support of the Y’s efforts to build vibrant, connected communities
This past weekend, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka held its 10th annual Move to Give fundraising event. The YMCA is pleased to announce that the event exceeded their fundraising goal, raising $120,000, with more donations still coming in thanks to the community’s overwhelming generosity. Funds raised go directly to supporting the communities the Y serves across Simcoe, Muskoka, and the District of Parry Sound.
Over 750 participants from Simcoe, Muskoka, and Parry Sound joined together to take part in peer-to-peer fundraising, child care fundraising activities, themed events and activities at the Y’s health and fitness centres, community barbeques, bus pull events, and more. This was a particularly special Move to Give event for the local charity as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their signature community fundraiser. Events took place on June 8 in Collingwood, Innisfil, Parry Sound, and Wasaga Beach, and included team school bus pulls, silent auctions, family-friendly carnival activities, barbeques and food trucks, local vendors, and more. The YMCA also collected food donations from the community as part of ‘Food to Give’, a new initiative to give back to local food banks.
“It was incredible to see the support from our communities once again for this exciting fundraising event,” said Laura Kelly, Vice President of Philanthropy at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Participants of all ages came together to celebrate and support the YMCA, some for the 10th year in a row. We are deeply moved by the support and generosity of the community, from our donors, participants, community partners, and sponsors. Thanks to all who made this year’s 10th anniversary Move to Give event such a resounding success,” said Kelly.
Over the past nine years, Move to Give has raised over $900,000 and brought together thousands of people across Simcoe, Muskoka, and Parry Sound – all working towards achieving the same goal – building vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs. Move to Give not only raises funds to provide participants in need with financial assistance each year, but it also raises awareness about the YMCA’s programs, services, and impact on the community, while inspiring healthy, active living.
“The success of Move to Give has a tremendous impact on the communities we serve”, said Jill Tettmann, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “As a charity, fundraising events like Move to Give allow us to invest in the wellbeing of our community by providing barrier-free access to our vital programs and services.” Tettmann added, “The Y is one of the largest providers of human services that directly addresses pressing community issues like chronic disease, social isolation, immigration stress, mental health, and unemployment. The funds raised through Move to Give directly translate into more resources and supports for our communities to address these issues, strengthening them for the future.”
The YMCA also received the support of many local businesses through sponsorship of the event:
- Gold Sponsor and Presenting Media Sponsor: Central Ontario Broadcasting – 107.5 Kool FM, Rock 95, and Barrie 360.
- Silver Sponsor: Allegra Barrie
- Bronze Sponsor: Rotary Club of Innisfil
- Community Sponsors: Portage Promotions, Afraid Knot Ropes, Collingwood Home Hardware & Building Centre, The State Group, Rotary Club of Midland, Innisfil Backyard Bounce, Matrix, Gym Concepts, and Triple Tech.
“We are truly grateful for the generosity and support of our community, who have demonstrated their commitment to our mission of promoting health, wellness, and community development,” remarked Tettmann.
Tettmann also acknowledged the hard work and dedication that YMCA staff and volunteers put into planning, organizing, and running the 10th anniversary Move to Give fundraising event – “This event is a huge undertaking, and our incredible staff and volunteer teams are a vital part of making Move to Give a success. Thank you for sharing your passion for the Y with the over 750 community members that participated,” praised Tettmann.
To learn more about how to support the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, please visit www.GiveToTheY.ca.
