Megathon to raise funds for strong kids

Four in 10 low-income GTA residents used YMCA services last year and the company offered assistance to over 41,000 people in their communities. Across the GTA, over 2,500 families received financial assistance for a YMCA child care program. To support the many families in need, the YMCA relies on the Strong Kid program.

“We have set an overall YMCA Strong Kids target of $3.75 million. Last year, YMCA donors showed a generous spirit by donating over $3 million to the Strong Kids Campaign,” says Laura Graham-Prentice, vice president of communications and marketing.
To raise funds for the Strong Kids campaign, the YMCA’s in the GTA are hosting a Megathon, starting Friday April 1.

Participants can choose from dozens of fun activities and times, says Graham-Prentice. Some chances to fund-raise include a Dance-a-thon, where the whole family can choose from different instructors and styles of dance, a Swim-a-thon, where teams of four can register to swim at any time during the 24-hour period to see how many laps they can complete and a Cardio-a-thon, where relay teams of 4-8 people will keep a piece of cardio equipment moving for a minimum of four hours. Check out the schedule of events at the Durham Family YMCA, located at 99 Mary St. N., for full details and times.
Graham-Prentice says the event is open to anyone who would like to register and participate raising funds for YMCA Strong Kids. People can register in advance online or drop into their local YMCA this weekend.
“They can go to our front desk at each location and sign in – as participants they have a guest pass and can access the facility for the day,” she says. “This is a terrific way to allow family and friends to come together.”
Story and images: Amanda Allison