Sudbury invited to help build strong kids

When Kayla Condron was in high school, she didn't have the most stable and healthy home environment.

But she found a home away from home — and her true calling — at YMCA Sudbury, thanks to the membership she was able to get through the organization's financial assistance program.

“When I was in high school, becoming a Y member through a financially assisted membership became a transformation for me that really did promote my growth in mind, body and spirit,” she said.

“Here at the YMCA, I was among like-minded people, and I was a part of a positive and supportive community. The physical benefits that I was experiencing on the fitness floor carried over into other areas of my life.

“My self-esteem and my confidence improved, which is so important for our youth to experience.”

Condron went on to pursue a diploma in physical fitness management at Cambrian College, and for the past year, she's worked at YMCA Sudbury as a wellness coach and fitness instructor.

The young woman shared her story at the Feb. 1 launch of YMCA Sudbury's 2016 Strong Kids Campaign.

The annual campaign raises funds to ensure kids and families who have a financial need are able to access YMCA programs and services.

Last year, the program subsidized more than $400,000 in membership and campers' fees in the Sudbury area, assisting 2,100 people.

The local Strong Kids Campaign aims to raise at least $129,000 over the next two months. The Kinsmen Club of Sudbury, which donated $12,000 to the cause during the press conference, gave YMCA Sudbury a good head start on that goal.

“We hear so many stories like Kayla's,” said Kim Kanmacher, CEO of YMCA Sudbury. “Certainly, we want to be that safe place for kids to grow up and have that opportunity that they wouldn't have otherwise.”

The YMCA Sudbury provides a wide variety of programs that help people live active, healthy lives. That includes fitness programs, aquatics, child care, youth leadership and camps.

If you're interested in donating, visit ymcastrongkids.ca, and choose the community you wish to support.