Daycare kids at the YMCA of Northern BC help MLA Shirley Bond, Y CEO Mark Miller, and City Councillor Lyn Hall unveil donor wall

Prince George, BC – With some help from some of the little people who take part in childcare programs at the YMCA of Northern BC, this year’s Strong Kids campaign was officially launched.

The youngsters helped Prince YMCA CEO, Mark Miller, City Councillor Lyn Hall, and BC Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Shirley Bond, kick off the 3rd annual campaign, which is a grassroots fundraiser that sends financially-disadvantaged kids to camp.  Last year, the effort raised $17-thousand dollars, this year, the goal is $18-thousand.

"About 25-percent of our kids that attend camp wouldn’t be able to do that without this type of campaign," said the Y’s CEO.  "Due to a lot of reasons: family illness, job loss, life transition, whatever it may be.  (This fundraiser) is something we rely on and something we appreciate."

Approximately 270 kids were able to participate in Camp Kanannaq last year, and between 40 to 50 teens took part in the more intensive Aurora Leadership program.

In proclaiming February 15th to March 15th, ‘Strong Kids’ month on behalf of the City, Lyn Hall congratulated the Y on all that that it does, "Not only for kids in our community, but for familes.  You’ve got a great history and (are) really the backbone of many of the children and family programs that are held here in Prince George."

"Strong communities have to have strong families and, most importantly, strong kids," said Shirley Bond, who thanked the childcare professionals at the Y for supporting families.  She echoed Lyn Hall’s sentiment that the Y makes an enormous contribution to the community and encouraged city residents to find ways to contribute to the campaign.

Donations are being accepted at the front desk at the Y on Massey Drive and contributions can be made online at www.ymcastrongkids.ca. A bird feeder raffle is underway, with the feeders made by ‘Harold’, one of the Y’s bus drivers, and a zumba-thon is set for next month.