Y Communities Thrive: YMCA of Eastern Ontario Launches 2026 Annual Campaign

Eastern Ontario – Strong communities don’t happen by chance, they are built through connection, care, and the willingness to show up for one another. At the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, that belief comes to life every day in spaces where children feel safe, youth find belonging, and families access the support they need to move forward.

That shared impact is at the heart of the YMCA’s 2026 Annual Campaign, Y Communities Thrive.

“As a charity, our purpose is to help people reach their full potential,” said Rob Adams, CEO of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “When individuals are supported, confident, and connected, entire communities begin to thrive. That’s what this campaign is all about—creating access to programs, relationships, and opportunities that help people move forward.”

The 2026 campaign aims to raise $440,000 to expand access to critical YMCA programs and services across the region. From providing healthy meals and safe spaces for youth, to building life skills through recreation and leadership programs, the YMCA continues to respond to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

This work is made possible through the generosity of donors, partners, and volunteers who believe in a stronger, more inclusive Eastern Ontario.

From youth programs and food security initiatives to aquatics, housing, and community outreach, the YMCA’s impact spans every stage of life.

“Every contribution, big or small, helps remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities,” Adams added. “Together, we are building communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.”

Last year, donations made an extraordinary impact:

• 25% of Members received some form of financial assistance
• 376 weeks of summer camp offered to local children
• 30,000 meals delivered to kids and teens
• 4,200 visits to the Work Hard Eat Well
• 335 aquatic leadership certifications issued
• 120 High school credit earned through the Student Impact Program.
• 37,800 swim lesson days provided across Kingston, Brockville, Prescott, North Grenville and North Dundas
• 2500 days of housing through our Hearthstone housing program

Your generosity continues to open doors and shape futures.

Here’s what your gift can do:

• $35 gives a child one month of access to youth recreation
• $100 supplies 10 meals for a child or teen
• $245 gives a child the chance to attend one week of summer camp
• $500 helps stock an apartment for a new resident
• $1,000 offers a full scholarship for lifeguard certification training

Campaign Highlights and Events

• · Gift of Camp Campaign: May 1 to August 11
• · McHappy Day – Kingston and Gananoque locations: May 6
• · East Coast Summer Picnic : July 5
• · Hoops for Good 3×3 basketball tournament: July 11
• · Y Communities Thrive Pickleball Tournament: July 18
• · YMCA of Eastern Ontario Community Golf Classic: October 5

For more information or to donate, visit eo.ymca.ca/annualcampaign