'Save our YMCA' group plans thank you rally tonight

A grassroots Facebook group that emerged shortly after the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA's bombshell announcement that it was closing is now organizing a 'thank you' rally outside the McNabb Street building now that a plan has been put in place for it to continue operation.

'Save our YMCA' supporters will trade in signs protesting the closure for ones celebrating the announcement that the organization will continue its programming and daycare operations at least until the end of the summer after an anonymous buyer came forward with plans to purchase the building.

The thank you rally will be held May 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. outside the Sault Y at 235 McNabb St.

A letter from the group organizers to the community can be seen below:

To our community,

On behalf of the advocacy group 'Save our YMCA' we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous investor who has come forward to fund the continuation of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA programs and daycare operations. We are also grateful for the collective support
and dedication on the part of the Sault Ste. Marie community, city officials, and YMCA staff members. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the members of the Sault Ste. Marie City Council and Mayor Shoemaker for recognizing the indispensable role the YMCA plays in our community. Your advocacy and support have been instrumental in safeguarding the future of this valued institution, and we are immensely grateful for your leadership.

We also wish to acknowledge the countless community members who spoke out, shared their stories, and brainstormed solutions during this critical time. Your passion, dedication, and belief in the power of community have been truly inspiring, and it is your collective voice that has helped to ensure our YMCA will continue to provide vital programs within our community.

To the staff members of the YMCA, we thank you. To the YMCA daycare providers, we express our sincere gratitude that despite the uncertainty and stress of potentially losing their jobs, they showed up every day with unwavering dedication, ensuring the well-being and care of our children. We would also like to specifically thank all of the YMCA staff, volunteers, and YMCA members who continued to show up everyday to run and participate in programs. We are grateful for your positivity, commitment, and effort to illustrate how important the YMCA is to our community.

Last, but certainly not least, we extend a special thank you to the anonymous individual or individuals whose generous support has been pivotal in ensuring the critical operations and programs of the YMCA continue to serve our community. Your selfless contribution embodies the spirit of community and solidarity, and we are profoundly thankful for your invaluable support.

In closing, we want to express our sincere appreciation to every individual and organization who played a part in saving our YMCA. Your collective efforts have not only preserved a vital community institution, but have also reaffirmed the strength and resilience of our community as a whole.

As part of our ongoing efforts and support, we’d like to invite members of our group, and any member of the public to once again rally in front of the YMCA on May 9, 2024 from 5 to 6 p.m. to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.

With sincerest gratitude on behalf of “Save Our YMCA” Advocacy Group,

Ali Dennie
Kirsten Duke
Dr. Teryn Bruni