Healthy Communities • Support the Y • YMCA Donors
YMCA donor and volunteer helps brighten older adults’ days
05 April 2022 - by Nicole Meredith
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity, and it’s thanks to our incredible donors and volunteers that we can connect people with essential services, chances to better their lives, and a sense of community and belonging. Why I Give is a series designed to put the spotlight on these incredible change makers, sharing what inspires them to give back and what supporting our charity means to them.
Today, YMCA donor and volunteer Jaqueline Bouchard shares her life-long journey with the Y.
Inspiration to give
“When I was a child, my single mom and I lived in subsidized housing. I will always be grateful to the donors who made it possible for me to go to camp at the Y. It made such a positive change in my life. I got opportunities that would not have been available in the neighbourhood I was growing up in.
“I started volunteering at the Brampton Y as an adult, knowing it was more than a gym. 20 years later, I still feel like I am coming home every time I go. But not everyone can come to the Y in person, especially older adults with mobility issues. With The Bright Spot, they can join in virtually — not only to work out, but also to feel they belong to a community. They bond with caring staff who listen to their needs.
“Going forward, I know the Y will keep adjusting to the needs of our community, including continuing to reach out to older adults. I have seen people’s lives transform at the Y and it is heartwarming. I am grateful to be part of such an awesome charity!”
Thanks to donors like Jacqueline, hundreds of older adults can access free fitness classes and community activities on The Bright Spot, the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s online community. Learn more about the meaningful impact our donors make every day by visiting ymcagta.org/Our-Impact.
Today, YMCA donor and volunteer Jaqueline Bouchard shares her life-long journey with the Y.
Inspiration to give
“When I was a child, my single mom and I lived in subsidized housing. I will always be grateful to the donors who made it possible for me to go to camp at the Y. It made such a positive change in my life. I got opportunities that would not have been available in the neighbourhood I was growing up in.
“I started volunteering at the Brampton Y as an adult, knowing it was more than a gym. 20 years later, I still feel like I am coming home every time I go. But not everyone can come to the Y in person, especially older adults with mobility issues. With The Bright Spot, they can join in virtually — not only to work out, but also to feel they belong to a community. They bond with caring staff who listen to their needs.
“Going forward, I know the Y will keep adjusting to the needs of our community, including continuing to reach out to older adults. I have seen people’s lives transform at the Y and it is heartwarming. I am grateful to be part of such an awesome charity!”
Thanks to donors like Jacqueline, hundreds of older adults can access free fitness classes and community activities on The Bright Spot, the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s online community. Learn more about the meaningful impact our donors make every day by visiting ymcagta.org/Our-Impact.
