| November 2008 |
Vol. 1, Issue 8 |
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| Greetings! |
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As the busy holiday season quickly arrives, our YMCAs are focussed on building community and helping others. Both YMCA World Peace Week and the Jingle Bell Run give you an opportunity to join us. And soon we'll be starting our Bright Lights campaign.
We hope you'll join us and help us spread the word. |
| Jingle Bell Run - November 23 |
Jingle Bell Run
In support of the
YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
November 23, 2008
2.5 K Fun Walk/Run - 10 a.m. 5K Run - 10:40 a.m.
 Costume competition! Lots of prizes and refreshments! Fun for the entire family!
Free "Wicking" T-shirt for the first 350 participants
Register at the
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| Celebrate people who are making a difference - locally or around the world |
YMCA World Peace Week is November 15 - 22. Our YMCAs have organized events to recognize people who are making our communities and world better and to encourage people to live their lives in peace. The centrepiece will be the YMCA Peace Medallion cermonies being held in Kitchener and Cambridge. Medallions will be awarded in the following three categories by each YMCA:
- Strong Kid: This category recognizes young people under 19 years old who are acting today to change our world rather than waiting to be a leader of tomorrow.
- Strong Role Model: An adult (19 years +) who inspires others-especially kids-by demonstrating how we can all be socially responsible.
- Strong Community: A group can make a difference by thinking globally or acting locally. It could be a Waterloo Region based group or a local branch of a national or international organization.
YMCA World Peace Week Activities:
Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA Peace Medallion Gala
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 7 p.m.
Kitchener City Hall - Rotunda
Featuring a performance by Robyn Dell'Unto
YMCA of Cambridge
Citizenship & Peace Medallion Ceremony
Friday, November 21, 2008, 1 p.m.
Cambridge City Hall
Kitchener-Waterloo Citizenship Ceremony
Monday, November 17, 2008, 2 p.m.
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA - Studio
Youth Engagement Evening - Registration Required Tuesday, November 18, 2008
519-741-8585
Multi-faith Gathering
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 7 p.m. Islamic Centre of Cambridge | |
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| My YMCA Story: Kanan Alali |
I have a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics from Ohio University, USA. Before coming to Canada, I was a university instructor teaching classes in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language). I have extensive experience of 24 years in the teaching field.
Read how a YMCA Job Finding Club helped Kanan Alali
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| YMCA Staff support community building efforts of the United Way |
The YMCA is a member of the United Way in both Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. We are extremely grateful for the support that we receive because it helps us to ensure more people can enjoy the benefits of YMCA programs and services.
Both YMCAs are just wrapping up their internal staff campaigns in support of the United Way in an effort to show how much we value them as partners in building strong communities.
We encourage you to give to your local United Way. Just click on the links above. |
| How you can build strong kids with family communication |
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Positive family communication helps youth seek advice and counsel from parents. Try this:
- Set aside time for communication, such as a family meeting, a family dinner with no distractions, or a "car talk."
- Share stories about what life was like for you as a young person. It helps children know that you have an understanding what life is like for them and may encourage them to talk about their own personal issues.
- Ask young people what they think about important issues in your family life, in the community, or in the world.
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| Z Battle of the Bands -The Final Battle |
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ZY-FEST
Battle of the Bands
@ THE CHAPLIN FAMILY YMCA
Saturday, December 13
Doors Open at 5 p.m.
Featuring:
- Broken Enemy
- Truth Be Told
- Action Potential
- Purge The Disease
- Everyday Legend
- Destroy the Prophet
- The Vitiated
- Bravura
All ages / $ 10 at the door
The Chaplin Family YMCA is located at 250 Hespeler Rd., Cambridge
Sponsors: CIJQ 88.3 FM & Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation |
| True Grit |
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by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
I love grit. A dictionary defines it: firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.
The Pittsburgh Penguins displayed it in game 5 of this year's NHL final - triple overtime, 110 minutes of grueling work to stave off elimination by the Red Wings. Gonchar crashed into the boards head first, sat out with back spasms. Malone took a puck in the face, chipped some teeth, required stitches. Orpik was so dehydrated with severe cramping, he soaked in two bags of IV fluid. They all returned to play that night. Fleury stopped a gargantuan 55 shots on net.
I see the same trait outside the sporting realm as friends and neighbours battle with fierce determination against political, social and economic foes such as poverty and discrimination. And I've seen my share of gritty heroism in cancer fighters and other health-challenged individuals.
Even my all-time favourite movie is the John Wayne classic, True Grit. I may never risk my life to save the girl, but I look for true examples of grit in this world. It alters my perspective, steels my nerves, and spurs me on. How about you?
Remember: stay fit for life!
To follow an example of True Grit, follow in Terry Fox's footsteps Terry Fox's footsteps or help kids and families access YMCA programs and services by collecting pledges for the Jingle Bell Run. |
| YMCA Host Program now offering a support group for newcomer professionals |
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This weekly open door initiative invites newcomers from any profession:
·To meet other professionals with a similar background
·To share experiences and ideas
·To provide you with updated information about the labour market
·To identify topics of a common interest
·To practice self marketing
Tuesdays 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
YMCA Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services
800 King Street West 3rd Floor, Kitchener
Host Mentorship Program Room
Bring your most updated information about your professional field to empower your peers!
Benefit by meeting people who are exploring the same career path as you!
Funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada |
| Collaboration Update: Strategic planning process nearing completion |
In order for the collaboration between the YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo to reach its full potential, it was determined that they should share a common mission, vision, values and strategic plan. This process is nearing completion and will soon be considered by each Board of Directors. The full details of the strategic plan for the next three years will be communicated after the Boards have had a chance to review and approve it. More information collaboration is posted on both the YMCA of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA websites. |
| Monster Mash a Monsterous Success |
An unusual fundraiser took place in October in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign hosted by Hennie Stork, an active YMCA of Cambridge volunteer, and her husband Mike, the president of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA. The Storks held a Monster Mash party that started in their home then moved to Yee Haw Adventure Farms for some pig races and line dancing. The event raised close to $10,000 for the Cambridge YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
Many thanks to the Storks and to all of their friends and neighbours who enjoyed a fun evening that helped keep the YMCA accessible to all kids and families! |
| Upcoming Events |
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The YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre is running a special program called Peace Begins With Me at its main site at University & Bridge on Nov. 20 from 1:15 - 2 p.m. Registration is required. Call 519-741-8585. | |
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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