After 50 years in North Bay the YMCA has a lot to celebrate. Growing from a patchwork of programs offered in schools in community halls, the North Bay chapter has evolved into a beautiful facility offering something for everyone between the ages of 1 to 101. From swimming to fi tness and from recreation to daycare and day camps, the YMCA has always been a place for neighbours to meet.
Yvonne Taylor has been with the organization for 30 of its 50 years of existence and has watched a tremendous transformation. She remembers when she was the lone person who manned the front desk, took care of the paperwork and pretty much anything else that needed to be done. Today the North Bay YMCA has 4,200 members and 130 employees that make it the vibrant place that it is.
“North Bay is very lucky to have the YMCA facility that they do. I talk to a lot of members that travel to other cities and see the YMCAs there and when they get back they always express appreciation for what is here,” said Taylor.
To celebrate, the YMCA is throwing its doors open on Sept. 27 starting at 1 p.m. for any member of the public to get a good look at everything the YMCA offers. “Maybe someone hasn’t been in for a few years and this is a great chance to see just how much we’ve grown,” said Taylor. Following the open house, the party moves to The Wall at the Nipissing University Canadore College campus for a cocktails, dinner and dancing. “We’re really hoping there are lots of past volunteers and employees who will come to share memories and catch up,” said Taylor.
Tickets for the dinner/dance are $50, but $10 from every ticket goes to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign that sponsors children unable to afford a membership at the community organization. “Nobody gets turned away from the YMCA,” said Taylor, who reports that the North Bay chapter alone raises and spends about $140,000 to assist 500 individuals every year.
For more information call 705-497-9622