YMCA of Greater Saint John - December Newsletter

Where there's a Y,

Issue 4

there's a Way December 2021

YMCA of Great Saint John www.saintjohny.ca

Note from Shilo Boucher As 2021 comes to an end, I have been reflecting on everything we've been through this last year and I hope you take time to reflect as well. Again this year, the pandemic has us navigating an ever changing landscape, but there are some things that remain unchanged and that is the strength of the Y in our community. The pandemic has made us stronger as we continue to connect people in spirit, mind and body. Allowing us to enrich the lives of even more people in our community.

You have all been important ambassadors, stakeholder of our YMCA. We are a success because of you.

You supported us and you believed in our super power. Describing it is hard. You can't see it. You can't touch it. But we know it's there. Our members and participants feel it. We've all felt it too. It changes lives. It changes communities. We need to nurture it, so everyone can unleash it, it's the power of belonging. We will work hard over the next year to ensure our super power is strong. We are on our last year of a 5 year plan and are now heading into planning for the next five years. I can't wait to see all that we can accomplish together and I hope you will still be beside us, helping us achieve great things in our community.

Y Staff: Raise over $20,000 for Strong Communities Culture of Philanthropy As a charitable organization, we understand the philanthropic need to give back to our community.

Everyone in our organization, whether a lifeguard, support staff or housekeeping are an ambassador for the Y and are critical to carrying out our mission through their daily work responsibilities.

Each year, Y Staff raise funds through various fundraising initiatives to support the Strong Communities Campaign. The very campaign that supports our members, families and community.

This year Y Staff raised over $20,000 for Strong Communities. For more information on how your organization can give back, visit www.saintjohny.ca for Third Party Fundraising resources!

Staff at the Y's Early Childhood Hub South celebrating their staff reaching 100% giving through the Employee Giving Program.

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Y Story: Brian & Anne Wheelock Strong Communities Honorary Chairs Brian & Anne Wheelock When Brian and Anne Wheelock think about the YMCA of Greater Saint John, they picture family, community and being a part of something bigger.

After moving to the port city in the early 80’s, they found a home at the YMCA of Greater Saint John and have never looked back.

“I like to think it’s the programs and services that make the Y so special compared to other organizations that provide fitness or other activities,” said Brian. “It’s a sense of community. This organization is special because it means access to a variety of programs for all sort of people whether they are financially able to or not. I like the mission and the ability to make an impact.”

“The Y is a one-stop-shop,” adds Anne. “You can get every kind of program for adults, children, families, single people. You don’t have to go around and try to piece together different activities. I feel the Y is a safe place. It’s a place where the members really matter and its been a comfortable place for me because of that.”

Today, Anne and Brian are the honourary chairs of this year’s Strong Communities Campaign. The YMCA Strong Communities Campaign is an annual fundraiser focused on providing access to YMCA programs and services for children, youth, adults, seniors and families whom face financial hurdles.

“When we were asked to be honourary chairs, this may be our way to contribute right now to the ongoing health of our Y,” said Anne. “We can try to help continue that support, even during these difficult times.”

The Wheelock’s love of the Y began early when they were children. Brian went to Y camps as a youth, as did Anne at the YW. In 1972, fate would bring the two together on a blind date in Halifax and it was a match for the ages. Anne became a fitness member at the Y in Halifax and the Wheelock’s young daughter Margie joined the pre-school program at the Y. The entire family loved the Y and when they moved to Saint John in ’84, that continued.

“When we moved here, I just thought it was a natural thing to continue our association,” said Anne.

Both kids, Margie and Scott, got into Y swimming and Anne continued with fitness, actually becoming a volunteer fitness instructor here.

Anne believes she then became a volunteer when one of her newly made friends from the fitness program asked her if she was interested in helping out.

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I was very interested in fitness and it was a great way for me to come in, be a part of group fitness and meet some other people.

“It probably would have been one of my friends that drew me in first and then as I got to know some of the Y staff, it was another point of contact.”

Brian, now a retired brain surgent, got more involved with the Y programs as time allowed. He became a fitness member and was eventually selected as chair of the Y’s endowment board.

Anne helping with the dunk tank in support of Strong Communities at Healthy Kids day in 2019.

The Wheelock’s served in many other volunteer capacities with Anne being on the Red Triangle committee and also continuing to give her time as a fitness instructor.

The pair says they were drawn to volunteer with the Y. “It was very much a social place,” said Anne. “I was very interested in fitness and it was a great way for me to come in, be a part of group fitness and to meet some other people, which was very helpful when you come into a new community. Quite a number of our friends were part of the group fitness experience as well.”

Anne added that volunteering had many benefits for her and Brian too because they knew they were giving back in a valuable way.

“If you look at all the programs that the Y runs and the services that the Y provides, there is no way that you could operate those if you didn’t have committed volunteers,” said Anne. “And the nice thing is that the Y accepts you as a volunteer if you have a little time to give – a small gift as far as your talents – or a lot of time. The Y welcomes everyone not just as members, but also as volunteers so I like that idea that it gives people a sense of belonging.”

One of their fondest volunteering experiences at the Y was during the 2016 Syrian refugee effort that was led by the Y’s Newcomer Connections. For more than 25 years, YMCA Newcomer Connections has welcomed newcomers to the community, assisted immigrants and refugees with their settlement needs and helped facilitate their integration in the community.

“It’s a welcoming place for immigrants,” said Brian. “Getting involved in immigration services has been a real plus for this Y.” Anne added that by having such a vast amount of programs and services, the YMCA is a driver for attracting new residents to Greater Saint John.

“I think that there’s such a wide variety of programming and services that it really is a draw to people moving here – especially coming from larger centres where they are used to that kind of facility.

Brian says the inclusiveness, safe Y locations, and wide variety of programs and services for all ages is a big selling point. This, combined with a history of more than 165 year, has the YMCA sewn into the fabric of Saint John. Many people have their own Y story and this is why many residents feel inclined to give back.

“It’s certainly makes an enormous difference for some people,” said Brian. “There are lots of stories that tell us about the difference it’s made and a lot of those stories come from people our age. So, it’s pretty clear the Y has a long history in Saint John.”

This year’s Strong Communities Campaign fundraising goal is $525, 000. Last year, $500,000 was raised, exceeding the goal of $425,000.

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One of the most import things to me is that the Y continues to be in the community.

In a year in which the world was dealing with a pandemic, Brian says the generosity of the community speaks to just how important the Y is.

“I think the involvement by the community in funding the Y’s activities is a testament to the fact the community agrees that obviously this is a special organization,” said Brian. “We see that through the continued philanthropy of many organizations and individuals. The community is incredibly generous and always has been.”

When a donation is made to the Strong Communities Campaign, youth, adults and seniors in the Greater Saint John area are given access to Y programs and services that they normally could not afford on their own.

Because of this fund, every year thousands of people in our community receive Y memberships. Children are able to attend summer camps and have access to mental health programs. Parents are able to send their children to our licensed Child Care and After School programs.

Anne said donors can relate to the Strong Communities Campaign because they can see how funds go back into the YMCA and are helping people who need it most.

Brian getting ready to start his day with Pickle Ball in is volunteer shirt.

“There are many ways in which they would benefit,” said Anne. “Maybe there will be programs that are offered that they are interested in. In the broader picture, they are helping the Y to meet the needs of the whole community. And in that respect, it means that our whole community becomes richer.”

Many donors have had some type of connection to the Y in the past, but that’s not a prerequisite. The Wheelock’s encourage anyone who isn’t familiar with the Y, but would like to be, to simply try it out for themselves.

“They can benefit by the programs, they can benefit by their exposure,” said Anne. “Generally speaking, there’s a gradual transition from being a participant to being a donor. And there’s a comfort level, quite often, that has to be reached.”

“It’s not always about the money, sometimes it’s about the awareness of where the Y fits into our community,” said Anne.

Along with all they’ve already given to the Y, the Wheelock’s are also Heritage Club members. The Heritage Club was established to recognize special individuals and families who have made a major or estate gift to the Y’s Endowment Fund.

“I’m hoping that if the Y can put the expectation of our commitment through the endowment that it will help the Y to make future plans and to really ensure the sustainability of the Y in Saint John,” said Anne.

“I want to see the Y continue to be a leader in providing programs and services to all who seek those things in the community,” added Brian. “One of the most important things to me is to ensure the Y continues to be in the community.”

To learn more about the Strong Communities Campaign visit www.saintjohny.ca

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Strong Communities 2021 Wrap Up: Opportunities for All

$525,000 $425,000 $325,000 $225,000

Pictured: Gordon Mouland, walking laps in the Y parking lot during lockdown, in support of Strong Communities. Gordon was a long time member of the Y and passed away in early December 2021 at the age of 98.

Give Today!

Thank you to all who have helped support our Strong Communities Campaign in 2021. Because of SCAN TO DONATE you, over 2,000 community members have been able to access opportunities at the YMCA.

But, there are still more that need our help!

Our goal is to assist more community members before December 31. Donate today!

31st Annual: Red Triangle Awards The YMCA of Greater Saint John values the significant contributions that individuals have made in our community. Since 1990 the Y has been recognizing indiviudals who have made a difference.

Congratulations once again to this years recipients PALS (Red Triangle Award) and Dustin Leclerc (Leader to Watch).

Special thanks goes out to our volunteers that helped in the creation of the virtual presentation and those that worked hard to make sure our ticket holders received their special delivery.

Pictured: Top - PALS recipients J.K. Irving and Zoe Watson with their Red Triangle Award.

Bottom - Shilo Boucher presenting Dustin Leclerc with his Leader to Watch award.

Thank you to Emera New Brunswick, our presenting sponsor and all those who purchased tickets. Over $50,000 was raised for Strong Communities. These funds will help us carry out our work and enrich the lives of others in our community.

Save the date for next year May 2022

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Patrons $5,000+ Anne & Brian Wheelock Atlantic Metal

Recycling CAA Maritimes Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Inc. Chics for a Cause Coleen and Stephen Carson Dean Mullin Donald and Patricia Mitchener Economic Development Greater Saint John Ernst & Young LLP Fish & Brew Pub Fred & Joyce Godwin Fundy Engineering & Consulting Ltd. Helen M. Cook IG Wealth Management (Saint John) InColor Inc. Jacob's Industrial Services John & Susan Eisner Kent Building Supplies Labatt Loblaws Marie and Marvin Rackley Mary Jane & David Waugh Michael H. Bruce Mitchell McConnell Insurance Inc. Mohommad Monowar Hossain NB Power OSCO Group Services Limited Pearl Hazen Peter Armstrong PSAV Running Room Canada Inc. Service Master Shilo Boucher T.R. Meighen Family Foundation Target The Christina and Hedley G. Ivany Charitable Foundation The Folder Factory The Hardman Group Ltd. The Home Depot Canada Foundation Trans Canada UNBSJ - Faculty of Business Vision Coaching Inc. William Covert

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Volunteering at the YMCA Meet Archana Archana is an MBA student who moved to Canada from India and has been living in Saint John for five months. She wanted to better understand the culture of her new community, so she started volunteering with YMCA Child Care.

Not only is she giving back, she's learning lots! Volunteering in Child Care has created unforgettable bonds and memories with the staff and the children she works with. It makes her feel a part of our community.

You can give back, too! Become a volunteer with the Y and help bring lasting, personal and social change: nurture the potential of local kids, improve the health and well-being of families, and help support your friends and neighbours.

For more information, contact our team: volunteer@saintjohny.ca

My Y, My Community 200 Trees Planted In October, ACAP along with YMCA volunteers helped to plant 200 trees at the Glenn Carpenter Centre as part of ACAP's initiative to plant 10,000 trees.

Breaking Barriers This past summer, 30 newcomer youth were able to participate in summer day camp at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, which included transportation to and from the site.

Special thanks to J.D. Irving and staff at Irving Shipbuilding, Irving Pulp & Paper and RST Sunbury for giving these children the opportuning to make memories to last a lifetime.

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Benefactors $10,000+ Acadia Broadcasting Alyson Townsend

Bell Let's Talk Belyea Colwell Daley Chartered Professional Accountants Canadian Council For Refugees Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities Canaport LNG LP CIBC Children's Foundation City of Saint John Crabtree Foundation Dale Knox Dealermine Inc. Deloitte Emera New Brunswick Employment and Social Development Canada FCC Engineering Grant Thornton Poirier LLP Greater Saint John Community Foundation IG Wealth Management (Head Office) ING Foundation J.D. Irving, Limited Kiwanis Charities of Saint John MacMurray Foundation Inc. Medavie Health Foundation Murdock & Boyd NB Building and Construction Trades New Brunswick Children's Foundation Ocean Capital Investments Port Saint John Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. Ready John Environmental Services Richard J. Currie Rod Stears Freelance Photography Rogers Business Solutions Royal Bank of Canada Saint John Energy Saint John Exhibition Association Foundation Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Saint John Y Service Club Sancton Group Inc.

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Y News Early Childhood Hub North The Early Childhood Hub North opened this fall at Hazen White Saint Francis School. Its primary objective is to support families and better prepare children for entering school, much like its sister location - The Early Childhood Hub South.

It is estimated that 95% of the children served are in financial need. The program is designed to support the whole family in this priority neighborhood.

This Early Childhood Hub North would not be possible without the tireless effort from Staff, Early Childhood Steering Committee, Community Partners and Social Inclusion funding.

The Heritage Club Your gift carries the power to transform individual lives and the community for generations.

The YMCA of Greater Saint John Endowment Fund was created to grow and invest funds, which will provide for future generations. The fund is a critical part of planning so that the Y remains strong, viable, and responsive in the future.

Individuals and families who have made a major or estate gift(s) to the Y's Endowment Fund are recognized as Heritage Club Members.

Interested in learning more? Visit our website www.saintjohny.ca

Y Difference Makers is a club of like-minded individuals who generously give monthly to help our most vulnerable Saint John community members. Thousands of Saint John families struggle with financial barriers, making licensed child care, recreational programs and health & wellness impossible to access. With your donation, we can help children, adults, and older adults reach their full potential and build healthy communities. Scan the QR code above to become or visit our website saintjohny.ca to become a Y Difference Maker today!

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Benefactors $10,000+ Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception TD Bank Group Telegraph Journal TELUS Corporation The Saint John Jeux Canada Games Foundation Inc The Windsor Foundation UNB-Saint John - Office of the Vice President United Way Of Greater Saint John Victor Leaman

Founders $100,000+

Irving Oil Limited Maritime Complex Inc. Tabufile Atlantic Inc.

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Year at a Glance Thanks to funding from our community and several foundations, the Y was able to provide the following programs in 2021.

After School Literacy Program Y educators have developed a literacy program that they have integrated into our After School Centres. They notice that some children were struggling with set backs due to school closures and others were having difficulty meeting benchmarks. Thanks to TD Bank, this program is being carried out in 4 Y child care centres. The funding covered the cost of books, resources, technology and training.

After School Multi Sport Program and Funding Relief Support Special thanks to Canadian Tire Jumpstart for their continued support of our YMCA . Their support has allowed us to continue to provide active after school programming for schools in our neighborhoods.

This program would also not be possible without the careful coordination between our partnership with PALS who provide the transportation to and from the program.

Camp Glenburn and Glenn Carpenter Centre Sponsorship Camp Glenburn and the Glenn Carpenter Centre had a record setting year for participation this past summer. Kids got to make memories that will last a life-time. The Y would like to thank the following funders for sponsoring kids in our community whose families faced financial barriers. Because of you, these these kids stayed active and built confidence - UCT Jack Kidd Council #755, New Brunswick Children's Foundation and the Windsor Foundation. Thank you for making a difference.

Free Community Programming at the Irving Oil Field House In 2021, the Irving Oil Field House began providing free inclusive community programming for children and youth on weeknights, and Senior's Track Time for older adults in partnership with the City of Saint John.

Additional free programming for older adults is offered with Get Up & Go being supported by the Greater Saint John Community Foundation. For more information on these programs visit - irvingoilfieldhouse.com

Newcomer Connections The Y's Newcomer Connections department was thrilled to secure a third reception apartment to welcome newcomer arrivals to Saint John this year. Blended Learning continues to be provided throughout the year with instructors and students learning both virtually and in person. Newcomer Connections served over 1,000 clients this year.

Sports Camp at the Field House This summer the Y had its first ever Summer Sports Camp at the Irving Oil Field House Kids got to sign up for various sports activities based on the week. Funding for program equipment and sponsorship of 20 participants from local priority schools was provided by Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

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Sun Shelters for Child Care

Promotions

Four - Y Child Care Centres received sun shelters this year. These locations had little shade to protect our participants from heat and sun while playing

outside. Thanks to the Greater Saint John Community Foundation our participants have a place to enjoy outdoor activities that provide a cool spot on hot days and they can enjoy a snack or lunch on nice days without having to sit in direct sunlight while eating.

Strong Communities Socks Are you on the hunt for the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season? Pick up a gift that you and your loved ones can feel good about: Strong Communities Socks =-$19.99 per pair and all proceeds go to

Visit our welcome desk!

Special thanks to staff at IG Wealth Management for sponsoring this initiative.

Y Lead Program The Y LEAD program completed its first full year in 2021. The program allowed 40 youth in our community to develop not only leadership-based skills, but also life skills. The program ran from September 2020 - June 2021 and has now entered its 2nd cohort. This program would not have been possible without support from Emera New Brunswick and Canaport LNG. Thanks to you 40 more youth in our community are learning a variety of important lessons again this year.

building healthy communities here in Saint John.

Y Thrive It's Your time to THRIVE! Y Thrive is a FREE workout & coaching program for members at every fitness level. From beginner to advanced, we have workout programs to help you meet your goals. Ready to get started? Book your appointment today. Visit our website - www.saintjohny.ca!

Glenn Carpenter Centre: Revitalization The Glenn Carpenter Centre is home to YMCA summer programming from June through to September. This is made possible thanks to Glenn Carpenter who left a legacy by donating the 220 acre property on Ashburn Lake in order to fulfill his vision of helping to prepare today's youth to be tomorrow's leaders.

Over the last year, with much thanks to several funders, the Glenn Carpenter Centre completed Phase 1 and 2 of 3 upgrades. These included structural work to the lodge, painting, upgrades to the well for potable water as well as a new walking trail around the lake. These upgrades were necessary so that we could continue to provide opportunities for children to escape to the great outdoors in the middle of the city and enjoy water activities, hiking and recreational sports for years to come.

Thanks to the Crabtree Foundation, we can now embark on Phase 3 of our revitalization of the Glenn Carpenter Centre, which involves relocating the entrance to ensure safety for our participants and staff.

YMCA of Greater Saint John 191 Churchill Blvd, Saint John, NB E2K 3E2 www.saintjohny.ca