Trillium Funding for Collingwood YMCA
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka was joined by MPP Brian Saunderson and Debora Bloom Hall, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, to celebrate a $150,000 Capital grant it received from OTF recently. The grant will help fund critical roof repairs, helping to ensure the longevity of the Collingwood YMCA facility.
The announcement was celebrated at a press conference at the Collingwood YMCA on Hume Street on Friday February 24th.
“This grant is recognition by this Government of the longstanding and vital role the Collingwood YMCA plays in our community helping people lead healthy, active and full lives. It proudly serves one in five residents, many of whom are supported through the YMCA’s generous financial assistance programs. It is an important community partner that works collaboratively with the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, the Georgian Bay Family Health Team and the Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe/York to provide critical programs for our region said Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson.”
The Trillium Fund grant money will help fund critical roof repairs, and what better way to celebrate the occasion than to pop open a few umbrellas in the main lobby of the Collingwood YMCA! All in good fun! Left-to-Right: GM Dale Rowe, Lianne Gorbell,- YMCA Senior Leadership Team, Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson, Debora Bloom Hall – Ontario Trillium Foundation/G&M Hospital Foundation, Centre Manager Shelley Everitt, General Manager YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka Nilusha Premasinghe – Regional General Manager of the Collingwood, Midland and Wasaga Beach YMCAs and YMCA Board Member Dr. Robert Reid.
Nilusha Premasinghe with Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson
“With the financial effects of closures during the pandemic, this repair would not have been possible without the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support,” said Nilusha Premasinghe. “The YMCA is very grateful to have received this funding to support this critical roof repair, which will allow our YMCA to continue to offer programs and services that are vital to our community” said Premasinghe.
“Our facilities play a vital role in the YMCA’s efforts to promote the health and wellness of our communities, as well as providing a space for people to come together to play, grow, and belong,” said Jill Tettmann, CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. Moreover, Tettmann stressed the importance of the funding and its impact on the community of Collingwood, “The YMCA provides programs and services to Collingwood and the surrounding area. The YMCA is grateful for the support provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this repair, which is critical to the YMCA’s ability to serve the community for many years to come.”
Debora Bloom Hall – Ontario Trillium Foundation/G&M Hospital Foundation
Dale Rowe, General Manager YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka
Dr. Robert Reid – YMCA Board Member with Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson
As you walk through the front door of the Collingwood YMCA you immediately are greeted by a portrait of the late Dr. Donald H. McKay to whom the building is dedicated.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka: The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. We serve one in five people throughout Simcoe County and the District of Parry Sound and Muskoka. In keeping with our commitment to inclusiveness and accessibility, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers financial assistance to those unable to afford program fees, including thousands of children and youth who experience YMCA camps and programs each year. For more information, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.