NEWS
Connected to your community
Major capital investment in “Y” showcased By DOREEN BARNES
Photo by DOREEN BARNES
During the Open House at the YMCA of Brockville and Area on Saturday, Oct. 5, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place in the strength training room with weights and various equipment in the background. From left to right are Brockville mayor David Henderson; chair of the board of directors for the YMCA $0.70 in 12 years.” Piracha went on to say that in the local community, the studies show a high incident of chronic disease, higher than the average in substance abuse and only
of Brockville and Area Sarah Piracha; seven-year-old Burke Adamcryck (son of Michael and Amanda Adamcryck), cutting the ribbon; chief executive officer of the YMCA of Brockville and Area Sueling Ching and Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark.
one third of the population is physically active. “Sixty per cent of our local population is either obese or overweight,” added Piracha, “that impacts chronic disease.
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News – Earlier in the day on Saturday, Oct. 5, the public was invited to the YMCA of Brockville and Area to hear about and view the $200,000 capital investment that had been made. According to Sueling Ching, chief executive officer, the open house was a means to share the upgrades made to the facilities and how it is in line with the organization’s five-year strategic plan. “We want to invite everyone to become part of a movement that we hope will create a healthy community,” said Ching. “We want to serve more people and have a greater impact on their health. The call to action is for people to get involved with the “Y”, to make decisions that create a healthier life for themselves and that in turn, will create a healthy community and strong children.” The reason for this investment and update of the “Y’s” strategic plan was to be more in line with what can be done regarding the declining health of Canadians. As mentioned by the chair of the board of directors the YMCA of Brockville and Area, Sarah Piracha, the outlook for the health of Canadians is not good. “Data shows on average that in the province of Ontario the highest income earners make 12 and a half times more than our lowest income earner,” indicated Piracha. “They (lower income earner) fare much worse. When we look at quality life indicators we see obesity, low literacy, heart disease, mental illness and crime. On the subject of health care, unhealthy life styles cost us $0.42 out of every dollar. Without change, it is going to rise to
Twenty per cent of our young people report high incidence of substance abuse, anxiety and depression. So, what can we do? We as a “Y”, have a plan to do more. We need to respond quickly and boldly to
the leading trends that are affecting our kids and our families.” Piracha also feels that building a healthy community supports economic benefits. So, the YMCA of Brockville and Area is aiming towards accessibility for all. “The YMCA is determined to make a change in this community and to work in strong partnership with other organizations, private industry and with our levels of government in order to make that happen” said Ching. “In short, we intend to extend our reach, so that we are engaging more people in the YMCA in physical activity and healthy living. As volunteers and leaders, we also want to do it in a way that will have a greater impact on the health of Canadians at a deeper level.” Ching explained the current changes made in the “Y” which included the latest internal colour scheme, the new cardio equipment (Jacob’s Ladder, spin bikes, treadmills, rowing machine), new strength equipment and the layout which should help with membership growth and the health of members. “We have an exciting membership drive coming up in mid-October,” indicated Ching, “for future members, a twoweek access pass so they can come in and try out the “Y”. As well the fundraising luncheons are starting up again and some new fun events; a spin-a-thon, a craft show and activities around Peace Week, a National “Y” initiative.” To find out more about programs at the YMCA of Brockville and Area, go to www.brockvilley.com, or call 613-3427961.
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