I’ve never actually lived at the YMCA, although I have stayed in their hotels/hostels. More importantly, I’ve been a member of the Y in both Montreal and Victoria, and both times my life was enriched by the experience.
In Victoria, I ran with the Y running club and trained with the Y triathlon club; in Montreal I swam with the Y masters. When I moved abroad, I missed the Y more than anything.
The YMCA Canada website presents itself as being:
“…dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and to their sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.”
Lofty ideals that are realized by providing services, most especially for children and youth. Goals that couldn’t be realized without the generosity of donors.
Dedicated to inclusiveness, both the Montreal and Victoria Y’s offer membership assistance to those unable to pay full membership fees. It means that anybody can join the Y and benefit from its services and facilities. It means if you’re out of work, you can at the very least get healthy and stay healthy by using the sports centre, and stay connected with your community by participating in Y events.
It makes a vital contribution to the life of anyone who wants to avail themself of the services, and provides wholesome programs for children and youth.
Related articles
- YMCA Healthy Kids Day – April 28 (whatshappeningswfl.wordpress.com)
- YMCA stresses family literacy – with puppets (times-news.com)
Alison Amazed 
Lord, you made it all the way to Z again, I see! You and Lee, I just can’t keep up with you two!! I’ve read many good things about the Masters Swimmers at the Y. I was never one for competition though. I always tried to beat my own time, and that was about it. That way I always won. ha!
Beating your own time is what’s important. Masters doesn’t require you to go to competition, and when I did compete, it was always with myself – my fears and anxieties, and my time!