YMCA pays tribute to Van Raay on fifth anniversary in new facility

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on June 8, 2024.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman The YMCA of Lethbridge continues to pay tribute to Cor Van Raay through charitable work and helping the community get access to the services they need to stay healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The YMCA of Lethbridge is paying tribute to the late Cor Van Raay after five years in the new facility, by continuing his legacy of philanthropy through charitable work and helping the community gain access to a healthier lifestyle, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Pamela Haapa-aho, Manager of Philanthropy, told the Herald in a recent interview that the YMCA is more than a place, it is a purpose, a mission and vision that is made a reality through a physical place.

“I wanted to revisit how we got here in our five years of operating this facility, how Cor Van Raay was a very big piece of that,” said Haapa-aho.

She said Van Raay believed in the YMCA serving the children, youth and vulnerable people that needed a space. He wanted people to feel healthy, happy and connected and therefore he helped them fund their new facility.

“He wanted to leave a legacy, he wanted to make sure he left the community better than when he came into it,” said Haapa-aho.

She explained that in her role as the manager of philanthropy she connects people to the charity side of the YMCA, to bring the community together and help those who are unable to take part of the services they need due to financial barriers.

“We try to fill those gaps by providing certain services like community outreach, educational programs like free tutoring or child care as well as recreational programs for all ages,” said Haapa-aho.

She said she is aware that most people think of the YMCA as a place to work out and go for a swim, but in reality it is more than that.

“Physical health is one thing, but we work on mental health as well, we provide opportunities for connection building communities within the Y,” said Haapa-aho.

She said one of those connections opportunities is offered to seniors in the community – they can stop by and have some coffee and play cards at no cost.

“We also offer Ymind, a mental health program for youth where they can participate in one session and learn how to use tools and resources to help them get through their days as well as building coping mechanisms,” said Haapa-aho.

She said Y is also providing newcomer engagement opportunities, where they can volunteer, receive translation of the various services the YMCA offers to make sure they do not miss out on any important information.

“We want them to feel like they are part of the Y, and one way is to help them understand what we do in their own language,” said Haapa-aho.

One way the YMCA is able to raise funds to continue helping members of the community is through their year-round Shape Your Future campaign.

Haapa-aho recognizes that thanks to the campaign they are able to kids, youth, adults and seniors access YMCA community programs.

“Without the opportunity to participate in programs and create connections, youth, adults and seniors can find themselves isolated and inactive, which can affect their physical, mental and emotional health in a negative way,” said Haapa-aho.

She said this is why it is so important for the YMCA to be able to help as many members of the community as possible.

“We’re actually at over 11,000 members right now which shows that the services and programs that we are providing are what the community is looking for,” said Haapa-aho.

“And one in four of those 11,000 are receiving some sort of support from the Shape Your Future campaign.”