YMCA of Greater Toronto has 20/20 Vision for a Great Future

TORONTO, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - The YMCA of Greater Toronto mapped out the new strategic vision that will guide the organization from today to the year 2020. The ambitious 10-year strategy focuses on investing in five urgent social issues affecting youth and their families across the GTA. The news was shared with over 160 community and corporate leaders at the YMCA of Great Toronto's 157^th Annual Meeting, held at the YMCA's Metro-Central location.

"Our members, partners and community leaders tell us that children simply need more help to grow into the people they dream of becoming. This year, the YMCA is rising to meet that challenge," said Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. "Today we launch our strategy Strong Start, Great Future to make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens and young adults in the decade to come."

This new direction places special emphasis on supporting young people through their life-stage transitions and responding to five key social issues that emerged during our strategic plan consultation process. These key issues are:

Childhood inactivity: 1 in 5 young people in the GTA are overweight or obese, and only 14% of Ontario children and youth are meeting Canada's guidelines of 90 minutes of physical activity a day. The YMCA sees a healthier future as we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to health, fitness and recreation programs. We are taking a leadership role to identify and reduce the barriers to physical activity.

Youth unemployment: Unemployment among young people in Toronto surpassed 20% in June 2009. The YMCA provides a variety of programs to help youth, newcomers and all individuals gain access to employment. Last year, YMCA programs helped 92,603 people find work.

Child care:  Only 1 in 10 children in Ontario has access to affordable, quality child care. The YMCA provides a safe, secure and fun place for children to engage in active learning. We make subsidized child care available for parents, enabling them to work rather than depend on social assistance for financial support.

Poverty: 1 in 4 kids in Toronto lives in a low income household. The YMCA is committed to making its programs and facilities accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or their families' ability to pay. More than 1,400 children and youth from low-income families have gained access to a YMCA camping program in the past year, representing 20% of all campers.

Education: 24% of Toronto's youth are dropping out of school. People with lower educational qualifications run a higher risk of long-term unemployment and other social challenges. The YMCA is leading the charge to provide youth with a variety of education-focused initiatives ranging from financial support with our corporate partners for scholarships, to literacy programs and homework clubs, to internships and student exchanges.

As a charity, the YMCA is uniquely positioned to work together with our partners to create and deliver unique programs and services that will enable our community's youngest members to realize their full potential.

Prior to Medhat Mahdy's address, Board members re-elected were:

• Colleen Albiston, Head of Marketing & Communications, Global Tax, KPMG, as Chair
• Dr. Gordon Chong, as Vice Chair
• Brydon Cruise, President, Brookfield Financial Real Estate Group as Vice Chair

The following were elected to the Board for their first term:

• Martine Irman, Vice Chair of TD Securities and Senior Vice President of TD Bank Financial Group
• Dean Prevost, President, Allstream

The following are continuing as Directors on the Board:

• Jennifer Babe, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP, Barristers & Solicitors
• Colum Bastable, Chairman, Cushman & Wakefield LePage
• Dr. Kellie Leitch, Orthopaedic Paediatric Surgeon, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
• Gary Maavara, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Corus Entertainment Inc.
• Sandy McIntyre, McMaster McIntyre & Smyth, Barristers & Solicitors
• Tim Penner, President, Procter & Gamble Inc.
• Dorothy Quann, Vice President & General Counsel, Xerox Canada Ltd.
• Diane Sinhuber, Partner, Assurance & Advisory Business Services, Ernst & Young LLP
• Leslie Woo, Vice President Policy & Planning, Metrolinx
• Bahadur Madhani, President, Equiprop Management Ltd. (Past Chair)

About the YMCA

Established in 1853, The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity connecting with more than 504,000 people at 274 locations. Serving the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York, Halton Regions and Dufferin County, the YMCA works to build strong kids, families and communities. The YMCA, in partnership with more than 250 organizations, offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including employment, education, newcomer programs, youth outreach and intervention, fitness and recreation, child care and camps. www.ymcagta.org

For further information:

Danielle Scheinman, YMCA Greater Toronto, at 416-413-1020 ext. 2339 or [email protected]; or Sylvia Kavanagh, YMCA Greater Toronto, at 647-588-6800 or [email protected]