Growth with and within the Y. My Y. Everyone’s Y. I have grown emotionally, physically, socially and also in spirit. I have felt the Y…M…C…A…Young Men’s Christian Association. Just think of that vision that those men had for those communities over one hundred years ago. My growth with and within the Y commenced decades ago when my parents had myself and my brothers and sisters participate as members at the Orillia YMCA. My Dad had the most amazing mentoring experience from Skid Watson at the Orillia Y, which continued through to Geneva Park leadership programs. (P.S. My Dad as a senior citizen is still involved with 3 community service clubs.)

I have volunteered at the Humber/Caledon YMCA in Bolton and the Barrie YMCA. Our children grew up as members at the Barrie Y where 2 of them were staff when they were students. As members and as staff, our kids tried new sports, met new friends, built new skills, developed old skills and helped other people give back to our community.

I had the wonderful opportunity of being a program instructor at the Humber/Caledon Y in Bolton covering preschool, elementary, teens and adults. Programs included children’s fitness,preschool “Cool-Cookers” & “Pied Pipers”, parent and child programs, craft classes, YMCA First Base Launch program, gymnastics, March break weeks, PA days, babysitters training course, YBA, adult fitness and much more.

I am proud to presently be part of the Barrie YMCA Membership Services staff team. Caring about and for people has just become second nature for me. You find continual encouragement to participate in programs, to try that other type of exercise, to forward community services info to other people. You feel you belong. You’re part of a family. My Y-Your Y.