Keg’s annual Whoop-Up barbecue benefits YMCA

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on August 25, 2022.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Director of volunteer and funds development for YMCA Lethbridge, Pamela Haapa-Aho takes payment for the Keg's Beef-on-a-bun barbecue event Wednesday morning at the Keg's parking lot.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The Keg’s seventh annual Whoop-Up Days Beef-on-a-Bun barbecue partnered up once again with YMCA Lethbridge on Wednesday to help them support those who are unable to pay full price at the door.

Director of volunteer and fund development at YMCA Lethbridge, Pamela Haapa-Aho, said the proceeds from the barbecue will go towards their fee assistant program, Shape Your Future, previously known as Strong Kids.

“Which goes into fee assistant memberships and drop-ins at the YMCA, to open up doors and access the facility to those who are unable to pay the full amount of membership or drop-in fees,” said Haapa-Aho.

She said the program allows them to diversify and let everybody feel welcome and have an opportunity at the YMCA.

Haapa-Aho said they changed the name from the Strong Kids Campaign into the Shape Your Future Campaign to be more inclusive.

In their website they state that as a charity, the YMCA does not turn anyone away due to their ability to pay, and the funds collected through the barbecue will help them do just that.

The Keg barbecue returned this year after a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said part-time manager Candice DeMaere.

“Two years ago, we had between 750 and 800 people come out and support us,” said DeMaere.

She said she has worked at the Keg for 24 years, and they try to do events to support the community and different charities.

“But we have been partnering up with them (YMCA) for a few years now,” said DeMaere.

The noon barbecue offered members of the community shaved prime rib beef-on-a-bun, a bag of chips and a can of pop with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Lethbridge YMCA Shape Your Future Campaign.

The barbecue saw a strong turnout. Within minutes of opening, the line up looped around the Keg’s parking lot.

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