The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA says a recent open house and membership registration event was a big success — but the charity says it still needs an additional 800 memberships to be taken out by July 15 to "ensure its future stability".
The YMCA says it has launched several initiatives to boost membership and community support, including child-minding services while the parents take part in fitness activities, special one-month membership options and a fitness card for people focused on weight training and cardio.
Meanwhile, registration for its summer programs, including swim lessons, day camps, fitness classes, has opened.
As SooToday previously reported, some city councillors have expressed concern about whether the local YMCA is doing enough to attract the necessary members to save the struggling facility.
In May, city council voted to help to keep the Y from closing. Under the plan, a yet-to-be-named charitable foundation would purchase the McNabb Street building for $2 million ($1 million below the asking price) then lease it back to the YMCA for 10 years at $100,000 per year.
Under the plan, the city has agreed to backstop the lease, as well as provide up to $505,000 for capital repairs — which could then be leveraged to access a further $495,000 in funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
But in order for the plan to work, the YMCA had to grow its membership list to approximately 2,400 — proof that it could remain sustainable in the long-term.
In a press release issued today, the Y says it now boasts more than 1,600 new and existing members.
"This surge in support is a significant step forward as the YMCA navigates through a crucial period, striving to secure the organization's long-term viability," the release says. "Despite this positive momentum, the YMCA still needs to see an additional 800 memberships by July 15 to ensure its future stability."
That is the date when a formal agreement to save the YMCA will be presented to city council for consideration. In other words, the YMCA has 12 more days to sign up 800 new members.
Below is today's full press release from the organization:
The Sault Ste Marie YMCA is thrilled by the overwhelming success of its recent Open House & Member Registration event. Local businesses, organizations, and community members came together to celebrate and support the YMCA, with many signing up as new members during the festivities.
The event saw a remarkable boost in memberships, with almost 100 new members joining the YMCA family.
"We were pleased to see hundreds of Saultites take the opportunity to visit the YMCA, take a tour, and learn about the important role that YMCA plays in the community,” says Don Ferguson, public relations manager for the organization.
“The Y is more than just a fitness centre, it is a charitable organization where funds raised get put back into ensuring that equity-deserving children, youth, seniors, adults, and families can access fitness opportunities, programs, sports, recreation, aquatics, summer camps, and social opportunities.”
Since the announcement that the facility would remain open, the YMCA has seen more than 1,600 new and returning members sign up. This surge in support is a significant step forward as the YMCA navigates through a crucial period, striving to secure the organization's long-term viability.
Despite this positive momentum, the YMCA still needs to see an additional 800 memberships by July 15 to ensure its future stability.
The organization is committed to enhancing its services and ensuring accessibility for all community members.
In addition to the Open House event, the YMCA has launched several initiatives to boost membership and community support, including:
- Child Minding Services: This new offering allows parents to achieve their fitness goals while their children are cared for in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment by trained childcare workers.
- Special Membership Offer: The YMCA is offering a one-month membership for just $20 per individual or $50 per family.
- Y Fit Card: This brand-new membership offering provides access to the Y’s free-weight / cardio / resistance training area and the walking track for just $33.50 per month.
The YMCA is also excited to announce that public registration for its summer programs, including swim lessons, day camps, fitness classes, and more is now open. These programs are designed to engage individuals of all ages and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
The Sault Ste Marie YMCA extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the Open House & Member Registration event and to all new and existing members for their unwavering support. The YMCA calls on past members to renew and new members to join, ensuring these essential programs and services continue for the community.
For more information about the Sault Ste Marie YMCA and its programs, please visit ssmymca.ca or call the centre directly at 705-949-3133.
About the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA:
The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is a registered charitable organization dedicated to promoting the development of spirit, mind, and body by encouraging healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and community involvement. With over 125 years of service, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community.