Welcome to the YMCA Canada Media Room. Here you’ll find our latest news, media contacts, background information, and resources to help you tell the YMCA story.
Media Inquiries
Denise Gho
Manager, Marketing & Communication | YMCA Canada
denise.gho@ymca.ca
416-846-5576
Latest Press Releases
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Press Release
Young Canadians Report Low Levels of Social Connection, YMCA Report Finds
First annual YMCA Connections Snapshot reveals the critical role of accessible spaces like the YMCA in building a sense of community.
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Press ReleaseNew National Survey Finds Overwhelming Support for Affordable Child Care in Canada
Canadians across generations prioritize continued investment in early learning and child care, survey shows A new national survey conducted by the Environics Institute in partnership with YMCA Canada and YWCA Canada reveals that Canadians overwhelmingly support government investment in affordable, high-quality child care. This finding carries important implications ahead of the next federal budget and the March 2026 deadline […]
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Press ReleaseYMCA Canada President & CEO, Peter Dinsdale, visits YMCA of Northeastern Ontario as part of National Speaking Tour
YMCA Canada and the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario kicked off “Communities That Thrive: The YMCA’s Vision for a Stronger Tomorrow,” a national speaking tour. The tour is designed to strengthen ties with communities across the country and shine a light on the life-changing work happening every day at local YMCAs.
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Press ReleaseInvesting in Canada’s Community Services Sector Is Investing in Canada’s Future
When Canadians struggle with the uneven impact of economic and social disruption, they turn to the community services sector for support. From child care, mental health, housing, and youth programs, to employment and training, culturally relevant support, and newcomer settlement services, the organizations that we collectively represent across Canada respond to urgent community needs every […]
YMCA Canada in the news
It’s time to celebrate the champions of early childhood education
The Globe and Mail, October 21, 2024
Building back better means healing together
The Philanthropist Journal, October 12, 2021
Your vote is an opportunity to change the future for our children and youth
National Newswatch, September 17, 2021
Young people should be a focus of this federal election
The Toronto Star: Scarborough Mirror, September 3, 2021
Charities are vital to Canada’s recovery, but time is running out
The Hill Times, August 9, 2021
Acting on the federal government’s vision of a $10-a-day national child-care system
Toronto Star, August 3, 2021
At the YMCA, Inclusion Begins with Intention
True North Living, June 28, 2021
Engaging Young People to Reshape the World
True North Living, June 14, 2021
Budget 2021: How the sector fared
The Philanthropist Journal, April 23, 2021
The charities that help struggling Canadians are struggling, too
The Globe and Mail, December 11, 2020
Resources for the media
YMCA Canada is happy to work with members of the media to share stories about YMCA programs and services, the people we serve, and the communities we support. Our staff are here to help you get the information you need to produce timely, relevant, and compelling news stories while respecting those we serve.
About YMCA Canada
The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in over 2 million people annually, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Across Canada, the YMCA delivers a wide variety of programs and services that empower people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. Programs include child care, health and wellness, aquatics, employment services, immigrant settlement, camps, mental wellness, and many other community initiatives that respond to local needs. Foundational to all this is the YMCA’s commitment to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a sense of belonging.
The YMCA in Canada is comprised of 37 YMCA Member Associations, supported by YMCA Canada, the national office, working together so all Canadians can shine on.
Brand & Logos
Please download our brand package for our brand guidelines and logo files (in English and French).
Discover how our mission and vision drive us to unlock potential and create lasting impact across Canada.
See how we measure our Federation’s impact in lives changed, barriers broken, and communities strengthened.
Learn how YMCAs across Canada work together as one federated charity to meet local and national needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about YMCA Canada, our work, and how we support YMCAs across the country.
If your question is not answered here, get connected with the right team to answer your question.
Is the YMCA a charity?
Yes, the YMCA is a charity. In Canada, the YMCA is made up of multiple registered charitable organizations, forming the Canadian YMCA Federation. YMCA Associations are dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Donations and community support help us offer programs and services that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
How is the YMCA funded?
Funding for YMCAs in Canada comes from a variety of sources, and each YMCA Association has a different mix. This can include:
- Program fees from services like child care, health and fitness memberships, camps, and other community programs
- Donations from individuals and organizations
- Government funding and grants to deliver services on behalf of municipal, provincial, or federal partners
- Support from the United Way
- Sponsorships and community partnerships
Is financial assistance available for memberships and programs?
Yes. At the YMCA, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully, no matter their financial situation. That’s why many of local YMCA Association programs and memberships are available with financial assistance.
If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to speak with YMCA staff at your local YMCA to explore options. Each YMCA Association sets its own financial assistance policy, so availability and criteria may vary by location.
Is the YMCA a religious organization?
YMCAs in Canada were founded in Christianity in 1851 as the Young Men’s Christian Association. In 1970, YMCAs in Canada made an intentional decision to be more inclusive to serve all Canadians, including all ages, genders, and religions.
YMCAs in Canada are proud to be part of a global network of YMCA movements that respond to the needs of the communities they serve. We recognize and respect that YMCAs around the world continue to reflect the original Christian mission as appropriate in their local context.
What does “YMCA” stand for?
Originally it stood for the Young Men’s Christian Association, and some YMCAs outside of Canada continue to use this name. To reflect our shift to being a secular organization with no religious affiliation, since the 1990s, YMCAs in Canada no longer use ‘Young Men’s Christian Association’ and we call ourselves YMCA. The YMCA in Canada is a name, not an acronym.
Can I use my YMCA Health, Fitness, and Aquatics membership at any YMCA?
Most YMCAs in Canada recognize and honour memberships from other YMCA Associations, so you can stay active when you’re away from home. Similarly, Canadian YMCA memberships are generally recognized and accepted by international Associations. There are some limits and exceptions, so be sure to check with the YMCA you want to visit to confirm their policy prior to visiting.
We need a YMCA in my community. Who do I contact?
Bringing a YMCA to a community depends on many factors: a demonstrated need, broad community support, available funding and resources, suitable real estate, and opportunities to partner or share space with other local organizations.
If your community is interested in exploring the possibility of opening a YMCA, please contact YMCA Canada.
Can the YMCA help me or sponsor me to immigrate to Canada?
While the YMCA is not an immigration agency and cannot assist with visa applications or immigration processes directly, we are here to support you once you arrive in Canada. Many YMCAs offer free newcomer and immigrant services to help individuals and families settle into their new communities. These supports may include help finding work, housing, child care, and community connections to help you feel welcome and confident as you begin your new chapter.