It's the most wonderful time of the year! - Irving Oil Contributes $3 Million to Saint John Regional YMCA

SAINT JOHN, NB, Dec. 02, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The YMCA of Greater Saint John announced today that Irving Oil has contributed $3 million to the new regional YMCA facility in the city's north end.

"We are overjoyed by the support of Irving Oil. They are as passionate about this project as we are, and truly understand what the new YMCA facility will mean for our region," said Shilo Boucher, President and CEO of the YMCA. "Their generous contribution and continued support of the YMCA allows us to focus our energy on what we do best – providing programs that deliver positive outcomes for our community."

The $3-million gift from Irving Oil was provided privately in February 2014, enabling the YMCA to break ground ahead of schedule as fundraising efforts were getting underway.

"This amazing gift has allowed our team to not only exceed our community fundraising goal, it has validated that we were on the right track for the YMCA and our community," said Dale Knox, Capital Campaign Chair.   "Irving Oil was very supportive and encouraging to me personally, and when Irving Oil made their gift back in February, it allowed us to work even harder to push the number as high and as fast as we could. This gift eliminates over half of our mortgage and will set the YMCA up for success for the next 160 years in Saint John."

The facility's official name, Saint John Regional YMCA, was selected by Irving Oil and unveiled at today's announcement. Irving Oil has been a longtime contributor to the YMCA in Saint John, showing its support in a variety of ways, from providing transportation, to sending kids to camp, to participating in annual fundraising efforts.  

"Saint John is our home and we're proud to contribute to such an important project that so many families in our region and beyond will benefit from," said Arthur Irving, Chairman of Irving Oil. "The YMCA is a wonderful organization that has done, and will continue to do many good things to improve the lives of all of us."

The new YMCA will be a place for families to come to spend time together, for young people to engage in healthy activities, for seniors to socialize and exercise, and for people from all walks of life to find common ground and new interests. The family YMCA will be a true centre of community, welcoming over 4,500 members through its doors each year. The Saint John Regional YMCA will open in November 2015.

About the YMCA of Greater Saint John
The YMCA of Greater Saint John is a trusted charity that delivers lasting personal and social change. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. There are 13 locations throughout Greater Saint John. Together, we serve more than 17,000 people. Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life. Through the Y Strong Kids Opportunity Fund, the YMCA is accessible to everyone.

About Irving Oil
Irving Oil is a privately owned, increasingly global regional energy and marketing company that provides Eastern Canada and New England with high-quality products and customer service. Founded in 1924 and based in Saint John, NB, Irving Oil maintains a strong tradition of committed community service and partnerships through programs in healthcare, the environment, education and youth sports. For more information about Irving Oil and its community programs, please visit us at www.irvingoil.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/irvingoil.

SOURCE: Irving Oil

Cindy Floyd, Manager of Fund Development and Communication, YMCA of Greater Saint John , Phone: [phone]; Sam Robinson, Public Affairs, Irving Oil, Phone: [phone],