Kelly Frapporti has always believed that when you see a need in your community, you have a responsibility to do something about it. That belief brought her to YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford — and ultimately, to create The Long Walk Home.
Kelly first got involved through the Y Saves Lives campaign, joining its cabinet and learning more about the men living at the YMCA Men’s Residence. What drew her in wasn’t just the cause; it was the people.
“I fed off that passion,” she says. “It went from me helping a little bit to me being all in.” The more Kelly learned, the more personal it became. Her father had struggled with mental health and addiction, and she knew firsthand how hard it could be without the right support.
“When I looked at the men living at the Y, I didn’t just see a housing issue. I saw people who had their own stories, struggles, hopes, and potential.”
That understanding sparked The Long Walk Home: a group walking 75 kilometres over two days from Brantford to Hamilton, raising funds and awareness for the men who call the Residence home. What began as a solo effort grew into a community event, with $1 million of the Y Saves Lives campaign dedicated to the wraparound supports that help residents live with dignity and work toward their full potential.
“Sometimes raising money isn’t enough. Sometimes you need to show people that you’re willing to take the first step yourself.”
This year, The Long Walk Home takes place on October 1 and 2. Kelly will be there as a volunteer and fundraiser, cheering on walkers and continuing to champion a cause close to her heart.
Stories like Kelly’s reflect the broader work happening at YMCAs across Canada – where volunteers, donors, and staff come together to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Through programs like the Men’s Residence and campaigns like Y Saves Lives, the Y is committed to ensuring everyone has access to the housing, mental health supports, and human connection they need to thrive.
To learn more or support The Long Walk Home, click here.
