YMCA of Central East Ontario

Pleased to make a legacy gift to the new YMCA Centre for Life Building. The new gymnasium will be called the Mackay Gym

During the 2023/2024 AHL season, volunteers from our YMCA help sell 50/50 tickets at Belleville Senators Hockey Club games. On Monday, August 12, David Bell, Head Coach and mascot Belly presented a cheque for $9,105.69 to Tim Durkin, Strong Kids Co-Chair and Bill Taunton, General Manager of the John William YMCA branch. The funds raised will support children in our community to participate in YMCA programs, such as summer camp, before and after school activities and so much more. Thanks to our volunteers, the Belleville Senators and fans for your support during the 2023/2024 season! Tim Durkin, Strong Kids Co-Chair, Bill Taunton, General Manager of John Williams YMCA branch, Belly and David Bell, Head Coach of the Belleville Senators stopped in to visit kids at camp. Belleville Senators mascot Belly greeted folks at the membership desk and posed with General Manager, Bill Taunton.

We’re thrilled to announce a significant investment in the Community Building Campaign from Duvanco Homes! Their generous support of the new YMCA Centre for Life will be commemorated with the naming of the Kids Fit Zone. This playful space will inspire our youngest members to stay active and healthy. Thank you, Duvanco Homes, for building more than just homes – for helping us build a brighter future!

A local couple has offered a generous gift toward the fundraising campaign for the new YMCA Centre for Life in Belleville. Wayne and Wendy Sheppard's donation of $225,000 to the new centre was celebrated by the YMCA on Wednesday. In honour of their donation, the Café and Café Seating Area within the new $27.5 million centre will be named after the Sheppards, serving as lasting reminders of their dedication to the community and the YMCA’s mission. Construction on the new centre is expected to begin this summer at the old city fairgrounds. “We are thrilled to support the YMCA Centre for Life and its mission to enrich the lives of individuals and families in Belleville,” said Wayne Sheppard. “Having seen firsthand the transformative power of community involvement, we are confident in the YMCA’s ability to make a lasting difference.” “The Sheppard’s investment reflects their belief in the power of community centres to foster education, wellness, and social connections among residents of all ages," Allen expressed. "Their generosity will enable the YMCA Centre for Life to expand our programs and create a welcoming space for everyone for generations to come.” The Sheppard’s investment demonstrates a commitment to the community and "is truly inspiring and this significant gift further solidifies their legacy," added Community Building Campaign Co-Chair Kristin Crowe "Their generosity will directly impact countless lives in a more connected community through the new Centre for Life," she said. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sheppards for their support and dedication.” After a distinguished career spanning 32 years as a teacher with the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board, Wayne Sheppard retired to continue his passion for community service and entrepreneurship. His career began in the family heating business during high school, which eventually led him to expand into construction and residential accommodations. Currently serving as Chair of Hastings Condominium Corporation (HCC) 18 at McNabb Towers, Chair of HCC 8 at The Anchorage, and a director of HCECC 53 at Harbour Landing, Mr. Sheppard is deeply involved in ensuring the well-being and vibrant community life of Belleville. The new YMCA Centre for Life will stand as a vibrant community hub, uniting the YMCA with four community partnerships under one roof in a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity. This innovative space is designed to serve diverse programs and services to the community, addressing various needs of the local population. By integrating the resources and expertise of these partnerships, the Centre will offer a comprehensive range of activities and support, from health and wellness programs to educational workshops and social services. Through collaborative programming, the YMCA Centre for Life enhances community engagement, promotes holistic well-being, and strengthens the social fabric, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Summer Camp Returns to Centre Hastings Thanks to the creation of a new partnership between the Municipality of Centre Hastings and the YMCA of Central East Ontario an 8-week Summer Day Camp will be coming to Centre Hastings for the summer of 2024. The upcoming camp will run 5 days a week throughout July and August and offer much needed childcare spaces and exciting and fun recreational provision for local children in the Centre Hastings area. The camp will be located in the picturesque Whytock park at the Lawn Bowling Building, boasting a great outdoor play space as well as a spacious building. YMCA of Central East Ontario is a leading provider of health and wellness services in Hastings and Prince Edward County including, but not limited to health, fitness, recreation, licensed child-care and youth leadership within the Quinte Region. The Municipality of Centre Hastings is confident that the YMCA will be not only a great partner for this project, but an excellent provider for the camp with skilled staff who can provide an engaging, inclusive and positive day camp experience. Initial discussions for a summer programming partnership commenced between the YMCA and the Municipality back in March. It had been hoped that both pool and camp programming could be offered, but due to aging infrastructure at the municipal pool and the timelines for repairs, pool programming was not feasible for 2024. This unfortunate setback didn’t stop both parties from continuing to work together on a plan for enhanced provision for the summer. The summer camp is estimated to have 15 places per day, and registration is available now via the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s website at www.ymcaofceo.ca/camp or by calling 613-394-9622. It is hoped that the 2024 summer camp will be the start of a successful and ongoing partnership between the municipality and the YMCA for the benefit of this great community. https://lnkd.in/gU_S9k_s

On Wednesday Belleville Toyota proudly announced a significant investment in the YMCA’s Community Building Campaign for the new Centre for Life at a celebratory “pool party” event held at the dealership. The generous $250,000 investment aligns with Belleville Toyota’s corporate social responsibility goals by emphasizing their commitment to giving back to the community that has supported their success. The investment also secured Belleville Toyota the naming rights for the therapy pool in the Centre for Life, which is slated to begin construction in the coming months. Andy Caletti, Owner and General Manager of Belleville Toyota, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to support the YMCA Centre for Life and the incredible work they do for our community. The therapy pool will provide essential health and wellness benefits to individuals of all ages and abilities.” The decision to provide naming rights to the therapy pool was driven by Toyota’s focus on “realizing a future that will provide mobility for all.” The Belleville Toyota Therapy Pool aligns with this vision by benefiting many community members through improved mobility via the programs offered in the new aquatic addition. David Allen, President and CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario, shared his excitement: “Belleville Toyota’s generous investment is essential in helping us realize our vision for the Centre for Life, which will serve as a cornerstone for health, wellness, and community connection. The therapy pool, now named in honour of Belleville Toyota, will be a transformative space for rehabilitation, fitness, and therapy, benefiting countless individuals in our region. We are deeply grateful for their support.” Ed Lehtinen, Community Building Campaign Co-Chair for the YMCA Centre for Life, praised Belleville Toyota’s contribution: “We are immensely grateful for Belleville Toyota’s investment in the Centre for Life. Their support exemplifies a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community. By funding the therapy pool, they are ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities will have access to vital health and wellness services.” Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber/InQuinte.ca

It's Men’s Health Week, a time to bring awareness to preventable health problems by encouraging early detection and treatment. Let’s champion well-being through healthy habits and regular check-ups. Your health is your wealth!

Happy 15th Anniversary to the John Williams Branch of the YMCA of Central East Ontario. Serving the great community of Quinte West for 15 years.

Today, we celebrate the beautiful tapestry of the many cultures, languages, and traditions we have worldwide. Let's take some time to learn about other cultures, have meaningful conversations, and build bridges across borders in celebration of diversity. Happy Cultural Diversity Day!

🌈 Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. At the YMCA, we stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and believe in a world where love is celebrated in all its forms and where everyone can live authentically and freely. 🌈