The Balsillie Family YMCA in Peterborough has officially launched its 2026-27 Strong Kids Campaign with a goal of raising $215,000 to help children, youth, and families access YMCA programs regardless of their ability to pay.
The YMCA unveiled the goal on Thursday (November 5), noting that 35 per cent of the goal — $75,250 — has already been raised, largely thanks to the success of a Strong Kids Campaign fundraiser held earlier this fall.
Funds from the YMCA’s annual campaign provide financial assistance for programs including day camps, swimming lessons, health and wellness activities, recreation, memberships, and other YMCA experiences.
“Strong Kids is about creating opportunities,” said YMCA of Central East Ontario fundraising coordinator Charity Brown. “Every donation helps remove barriers and ensures that children and families in our community can access the programs, support, and sense of belonging that the YMCA provides.”
A major boost to this year’s campaign came during Thursday’s launch with the presentation of a $45,000 donation from A Night in White Garden Party. The ninth annual event supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign was held on September 18 at Johnston’s Greenhouse and Landscaping in Peterborough.
The donation, presented by YMCA group fitness coordinator and event committee chair Chris Leney on behalf of the Garden Party’s sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and supporters, is the largest amount the event has generated for the YMCA to date.
“We are incredibly grateful to Chris and the entire Garden Party team,” Brown said. “This extraordinary contribution will directly support children and families across our region and demonstrates the power of community generosity.”
Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal and mayor-elect Michael Eamon attended the campaign launch, along with YMCA of Central East Ontario president and CEO Dave Allen and Strong Kids committee members Shaun Pearce, Lindsay Seabrooke, Spencer Lupton, and Logan McCrea.
The Strong Kids Campaign is the YMCA’s annual fundraising initiative to ensure children and families facing financial challenges can participate in programs, memberships, and day camps.
Donations can help a child participate in recreation or camp, allow a low-income family to access a YMCA membership, and support youth development and leadership opportunities.
The campaign has deep roots in Ontario. In 2007, 27 YMCA associations across the province joined together under the Strong Kids banner in an effort to increase access to YMCA programs for children, youth, and families regardless of income. The initiative emphasized the YMCA’s charitable mandate of making programs and services broadly accessible.
That commitment to access continues across the YMCA of Central East Ontario today. The organization reports providing almost $894,000 in financial support over the past year, with 2,910 people receiving assistance across its service area.
The 2026-27 Strong Kids Campaign began on July 1 and runs until June 30, 2027, with money raised remaining within the YMCA of Central East Ontario service area to support local children, youth, and families.
With Giving Tuesday taking place December 1, the YMCA is encouraging individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider contributing to the campaign during the holiday season.
To donate to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, visit ymcaofceo.ca/support/.
