By Amy Rowley
In February, more than 100 volunteers kicked off the Y’s Strong Kids campaign. The annual fundraiser raises more than $350,000 to support financial assistance to kids, families, and seniors that need the Y’s services the most.
Each volunteer is talking with friends and family, sharing the Y’s story. The campaigners are showing how each $1 makes a direct impact in Thurston County. During the course of the Strong Kids campaign, these champions will generate about 70% of the total funds that the South Sound YMCA distributes in financial assistance. Y staff work hard during the year to secure grants and other funding to fill in the gap.
One of the areas subsidized by Strong Kids donations is the Y’s childcare program. “I would have not have been able to afford childcare on my little income if it were not for your help,” explains a single mom who returned to college. “Thank you for investing in the future of two precious children and a future registered nurse.”
Campaigners each have a story about why they choose to donate time to raise money for the Y. Perhaps it’s because they learned to swim as a kid and want other children to have that same experience.
At the beginning of the school year, the Y brought third grade students from Madison Elementary to the pool at the Olympia Downtown branch. A month of free swim lessons was made possible in part by Strong Kids donors. After just eight swim lessons, 92% of the kids were able to safely return to the edge of the water a pool if they accidentally fall in.
With drowning accounting for the second leading cause of death for youth ages 2 to 14, this is a critical accomplishment for 8- and 9-year-olds that may not have had access to swim lessons otherwise.
Overall, the South Sound YMCA taught more than 6,000 kids to swim and feel safe in the water. More than 3,000 children participated in youth sports learning teamwork and healthy lifestyle habits. The Y’s philosophy links up with these two programs (and many more), giving kids the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.
Campaigners are talking about these programs but they are also touching on how the Y makes a daily impact in our community. In 2012, 3,913 individuals and families received $541,810 in direct financial assistance. By providing memberships to low-income families, the Y can bring parents and children closer together through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests.
Beyond changing lives with reduced or free memberships, the Y is providing volunteer opportunities for people to give back to the community. Last year alone, 1,322 youth, teen and adult volunteers contributed more than 16,400 hours.
The Y’s commitment to social responsibility means that the organization continues to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
With the support and generosity of Strong Kids campaign donors, the Y can assist everyone who qualifies.
To learn more about the Strong Kids Campaign or to make a donation, click here.
