FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YMCA BC Kids Walk presented by Odlum Brown, unites child care centres to provide children and families facing financial barriers access to critical YMCA support services.
May 27, 2024, Greater Vancouver — On Wednesday, May 29th, the YMCA BC Kids Walk, presented by Odlum Brown, is taking place with participation from all YMCA BC Child Care centres operating across the Lower Mainland, Northern BC and Kamloops. This annual event raises funds to support the YMCA’s commitment to removing financial barriers for children and families so they can access child care, camps, swim lessons and other life-enhancing Y programs. With over 4,000 children expected to participate, the YMCA BC Kids Walk is an opportunity for our youngest YMCA community members to contribute to the YMCA’s charitable work and highlights the importance of ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
YMCA BC, as the largest child care provider of licensed child care in the province, operating 133 child care centres across BC, plays a vital role in supporting families and communities who rely heavily on this critical service. Currently, 1 in 5 children at a YMCA child care centre receives YMCA financial assistance to attend, further emphasizing the significant impact of these programs on families facing financial barriers.
The need for access to essential YMCA programs has become even more critical considering the increased economic hardship, inflation, and employment challenges facing families across BC. The YMCA BC Kids Walk, presented by Odlum Brown, supports families experiencing these challenges, ensuring that no child is left behind.
“I am grateful to our YMCA BC Child Care community and staff supporting this year’s Kids Walk which will raise funds to ensure children and families are able to access our life-changing programs and services, regardless of their financial means,” said Cathy Poole VP, Children & Youth Services, YMCA BC. “Together, we’re building brighter futures for kids and families across BC.”
“As Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 YMCA BC Kids Walk for COMMUNITY, we are proud to support the YMCA in their mission to strengthen the foundations of community,” shares Debra Doucette, President and Chief Executive Officer at Odlum Brown. “As a personal supporter of Bob and Kay Ackles YMCA Nanook House for over 20 years, I have seen first-hand the profound impact the Y’s work has on families and communities across BC.”
As a non-profit, YMCA BC relies on donors to help fund Y access for all. “We’re grateful for our presenting sponsor Odlum Brown, other community partners and individual YMCA BC Kids Walk donors for supporting this year’s event” said Darlene Hepburn, VP, Funds Development at YMCA BC. “Fostering a culture of philanthropy in all areas of our organization is incredibly important, and this initiative is a wonderful example of this work in action.”
Media in Vancouver are invited on May 29th to attend a YMCA BC Kids Walk and brief reception following.
Event Details/Invite (RSVP Required):
RSVP required to oliver.lam@bc.ymca.ca.
Date & Time: Wednesday May 29th @ 9:30am-11:30am Location: YMCA BC Bob & Kay Ackles Nanook House (1255 E Tenth Ave, Vancouver)
Program Outline:
- 9:30am-10:15am | Welcome, Photo Ops, Social & Prepare to Walk with Kids
- 10:15am-10:45am | YMCA BC Kids Walk presented by Odlum Brown – Walk and celebrate our fundraising achievements! Welcome, land acknowledgment and Walk
- 10:45am-11:30am (45-minute program) |Brief presentations from a YMCA BC Nanook House child care family, children participating in YMCA child care and committed Y supporters.
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About YMCA BC
As a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, YMCA BC is a powerful association of people joined together by a shared passion to foster connection and ignite belonging. YMCA BC enables everyone in our communities to have equitable access to healthier outcomes and provides vital programs and services that have a positive outcome on some of our communities’ most pressing social issues including health and wellness, inequity, affordable child care, mental health, employment and newcomer settlement. Learn more at bc.ymca.ca.
Odlum Brown - Statement of support
For over 100 years, Odlum Brown has been helping clients achieve their financial goals and passionately supporting the communities where our clients and team members live and work. As the Presenting Sponsor of the YMCA BC's 2024 Kids Walk for COMMUNITY, we are proud to help empower children and families across the province and provide them with the tools needed to reach their full potential at the Y.
About Odlum Brown
For over 100 years, Odlum Brown has been dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals. As a fully independent investment firm since 1923, Odlum Brown is committed to acting in clients’ best interests – always. Through disciplined investment advice, objective research and other value-added services, the firm offers an exceptional full-service experience to grow and preserve clients’ wealth for the long term.
Odlum Brown also invests in the communities where its clients and team members live and work through its passionate support of over 150 charitable organizations across Canada. In addition, the firm has earned prestigious national recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.
With six locations, 370 team members and over $18 billion in client assets under management, Odlum Brown’s growth and longevity are a testament to the firm’s strong commitment to its core values, common purpose and client-focused approach.
Media Inquiries:
Oliver Lam
Director, Marketing and Communications, YMCA BC
oliver.lam@bc.ymca.ca