What began as a program to support men and women returning to Chatham from the Second World War blossomed to serve people of all ages.
The YMCA of Chatham-Kent began humbly in 1945, according to Art Stirling, development officer with the Y.
“A group of people got together looking for ways to support the returning men and women from service,” he said. “They explored the idea of bringing the YMCA philosophy to the area. They fundraised $12,000 that first year.”
The YMCA set up shop first on King Street, but later moved to the Masonic temple and then into several school and church gymnasiums.
The downtown facility for the Y, right beside the Civic Centre, opened in 1961.
Programs and membership continued to grow, and the organization needed a new home. Fundraising began nearly two decades ago, and in 2011, the new Y opened on Courthouse Lane just off Grand Avenue.
Stirling said the Y has come a long way since 1945.
“We’ve offered a lot of different types of programming over the years. When it started, a lot of it was hobby clubs or Friday night dances,” he said.
Fitness programs, swimming, sports, overnight and summer camps, employment services, newcomer services, babysitting courses and lifeguard certification are some of the programs the Y runs or has run over the years.
Ditto for child care. Stirling said the Chatham-Kent YMCA was the first Y west of Toronto to open a licensed child care program…back in 1987.
“We really do offer a lot to the community and we’re very proud of that,” he said, adding the goal is to service everyone. “Our charitable mission is everybody would be treated respectfully and equally.”
To that end, the Y fundraises heavily so programs are available to people regardless of family income.
“We do a lot of fundraising to provide financial assistance so people’s level of income won’t be a significant obstacle to participating in our programs,” Stirling said.
To celebrate all the accomplishments of the YMCA in Chatham-Kent over the last eight decades, the organization is throwing a party Aug. 8 at Sons of Kent. It’s an all ages event.
There will be music, food trucks, kids’ play areas, and familiar faces.
“It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the continuing involvement and contribution of the Y to the Chatham-Kent community; a chance for people to get together and reminisce,” Stirling said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. The Y has touched a tremendous number of people over the years here.”
Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Visit ymcaswo.ca/cky80 for more information and to order advance tickets.
