Thread: Giving to the YMCA

The cause of the YMCA is to strengthen the community by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA believes that when everybody works together lasting personal and social change can happen. By working with everybody, the YMCA ensures that everyone regardless of age, income or background gets the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. By funding YMCA, one can help the smooth running of life changing programs that help millions of children, adults and families in the United States and around the world to learn, grow and thrive.

Support from the donors and the volunteers help the YMCA on their commitment to nurture the potential of youth through building confidence at camp, academic enrichment in safe afterschool programs or foundational skills and values in their child care programs. It also helps them to combat obesity and chronic disease and thus improve the nation’s health and well being by providing the support and resources that people need to make a positive change. Offering programs and services to children, adults and families who need financial assistance becomes easier with the donor support. The YMCA is also able to give back and support their neighbors by empowering people with the resources to improve their lives and connect and contribute to the community. This is done through job training, housing, newcomer services and opportunities to advocate for social change.
EDIT LINK the society by helping such institutions. The Victron Energy makes annual donations to the YMCA which helps them in their functioning.

Thanks for the info... most of us in the US have probably heard of the YMCA and have at least one facility near them. I've been part of the YMCA all my life... I had my first swim lessons there at 6 months old, and attended the summer camp every year since age 5. The Y plays a huge role in keeping kids involved with their peers and community and keeping them out of trouble. They also offer many adults programs for health and wellness.

There are more ways to give to the YMCA than donating money. I volunteer once a week with the SALADD program (Students and Leaders Against Destructive Decisions), I give my time to design flyers and posters for various events, and I am in the process of putting together a self-defense program for high school students.

Originally the acronym stood for "Young Men's Christian Association", but today it is not at all a religious organization or exclusively for men. Links aren't allowed, but Google "YMCA" to learn more.