| January 2009 |
Vol. 2, Issue 1 |
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| Greetings! |
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A year ago, the first issue of Spirit, Mind & Body went to 88 people. This issue will go to about 1550 people. While many are members, others are just interested in what the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo are doing and how they can get involved or participants of our many programs that don't require a membership such as day camps, overnight camps, out of school programs, immigrant services and many more.
We hope that you are finding the information in the e-news interesting and useful. Hopefully, it is introducing you to new ways that you can make the YMCA a part of your life.
Please share this e-news with family and friends who may also be interested in the wide range of programs and services offered by the YMCA. |
| Make the YMCA a part of your life in 2009 |
| The YMCA has many programs and services to help you grow in spirit, mind and body in 2009. Listen to find out how: 1) A healthy choice; 2) A part of your life
We look forward to giving you a place to belong and a chance to grow.
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| A healthy choice for you and your family |
 The Family YMCAs in Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo have a great mix of facilities, programs and people all in one place to get you active this year! And if you have a family, only at the Y can you get active at the same time--together or each doing your own thing. Listen to some of the exciting options available. Come in and ask for a tour and free trial!
Read about how the YMCA can help you keep your fitness resolutions.
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| Choose your summer adventure today |
 YMCA Camps Belwood, Ki-Wa-Y & Wabanaki
Registrations are now being accepted for the YMCA's overnight camps this summer. Early registration is encouraged so that you have the greatest possible choice of camps, programs and weeks.
Learn more about the adventures that await, by downloading a
or visiting the website for the
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| Z Beside Y receives funding for Just Hangin' Out |
Physically and cognitively-challenged youth have a place to hang out and to pursue recreational and social outings with others who share their challenges in a program funded today by the President's Choice Children's Charity. A $7,600 grant assists the Cambridge Youth Leadership Development Centre (fondly known as the Z Beside the Y) to offer the Just Hangin' Out program in 2009. Prior to the grant, the future of the program created in 2008 was uncertain.
"We're excited that President's Choice Children's Charity shares our goal of filling a gap in Cambridge for youth with physical and cognitive challenges," said Debra Brown, Director of the Cambridge Youth Leadership Development Centre. "Through this program, we are confident that the teens involved will not only make new friends but that they will identify new interests while learning and practicing social skills.
Just Hangin' Out is a nine week program offered three times a year for physically and cognitively challenged teens. It provides an opportunity for teens to get together in a teen space, socialize and have fun. The youth participate in determining the recreational and social activities and the food served at shared suppers |
| My YMCA Story: Jack Hainsworth |
Anyone who has been a longtime member in Kitchener or Cambridge likely came across Jack Hainsworth, a lively member dedicated to the YMCA's mission. He gave back generously to the YMCA as a dedicated member of the Y's Men Service Club. He was also a founder of the YMCA Peace Camp for youth. Jack passed away last summer. His energy, passion and enthusiastic support of youth have been missed ever since he encountered serious health problems several years ago.
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| Give to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign |
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 You can make your own impact upon the lives of kids who live in families who have difficulty affording YMCA memberships, attending YMCA camps and or participating in other YMCA programs and services.
In 2009, demand for financial assistance is expected to increase due to the tough economic times. More than it has in a long time, the YMCA needs the help of people with fortunate circumstances to help those experiencing tough times to enjoy the benefits of getting active. If you can, please give generously today at YMCAStrongKids.ca .
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| Outdoor winter activities for adults and families |
 Get active outdoors this winter with the help of the
Activities for adults are:
- cross country skiing
- snowshoeing
- wilderness first aid certification
Activities for families are:
- "Beat the Blues" Family Camp
- Winter Family Fun Day
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| How you can build strong kids by having relationships with youth |
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Everyone, even parents, need support from others. Kids with relationships with adults other than their parents learn different perspectives and know they are supported and believed in. Try this:
- Invite caring, responsible adults to be a part of your children's lives.
- Relationships with other adults can strengthen the parent-child bond so don't worry they will replace it.
- If you are uncomfortable with a particular relationship that may be a warning sign.
- Establish a routine of getting together with your children and your friends (and their children if they have them).
- Volunteer with programs--including those run by the YMCA--that work with children and teens.
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| Community volunteers step up to the plate |
Sixteen women and men from Cambridge are prepared to step into leadership roles for their communities after completing the Step Up to Leadership program. The YMCA of Cambridge, announces the graduation of its first class of leaders on January 15, 2009 at Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by refreshments. A RSVP required by calling Vydia at 519-621-1621.
Step Up to Leadership, an award-winning leadership training program, offers individuals who want to make a difference the opportunity to learn what it takes to serve on nonprofit boards, become active in community projects, volunteer for charitable causes and empower others to succeed.
Shazia Fazal, one of the graduates, tells about her experience. "I saw some things in my neighbourhood that I wanted to change, but I didn't know where to start. Step Up to Leadership empowered me to take the initiative to make things better for my community." Graduates of the Step Up to Leadership program are making significant changes in their community and welcome more opportunities to become involved.
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| Fit Tip: Food Fret |
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by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
I'm calling a truce. For too long we have pined over every minute aspect of our diet--what, where, when and why we eat. So much research bombards us, we scarcely know whom to believe, let alone what the latest findings are and how to appropriately apply them to our lives.
Don't get me wrong. I still wish to follow a healthy diet and maintain a respectable body composition. Yet it's high time I follow the advice given in this gem of a quotation I discovered over two decades ago: "The single most important approach to avoiding almost any disease is the reduction of stress... Better still is the elimination of constant worry about your heart, plus the restoration of relaxation and pleasure to your mealtimes. Enjoy food rather than fear it."
Hey now, that sounds reasonable--and attractive!--to me. So let's agree on simple principles like: a balanced lifestyle; everything in moderation; caring for self so I am energized to care for others; living in the moment; being more generous and gracious to my fellow man (and woman).
Where do we go from here? Try this: a little less militant rigidity on all things fitness; just a positive interest in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Ah, that's the ticket.
Remember: stay fit for life! |
| YMCA Peace Medallion recipients announced |
 The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo, together with YMCAs across Canada, marked YMCA World Peace Week November 15-22, 2008 by encouraging kids, youth and adults to create peace by living it, every day, with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
A highlight of the week was the presentation of YMCA Peace Medallions. The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA held its YMCA Peace Medallion Gala on November at Kitchener City Hall and announced its recipients. The YMCA of Cambridge announced its recipients after a Citizenship Ceremony held at Cambridge City Hall on November 21.
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| Jingle Bell Run raises $10,000 |
 The 18th Annual Jingle Bell Run held by the Chaplin Family YMCA of Cambridge in November raised more than $10,000 to support Cambridge's YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The proceeds will help ensure that all kids and families can access the benefits of participating in YMCA programs and services.
This year's race raised more funds and featured more runners than in 2007. Thank you to the 339 runners and the many people who sponsored them. The race results are posted on the front page of Cambridge's website. |
| Bright Lights brings joy to 264 newcomers to Canada |
 The first two weeks of December is Bright Lights at the YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. During this time strings of light bulbs are hung at YMCA sites. Each light bulb on the string represents one individual within a family that is new to our community and is in need of support. YMCA staff, volunteers, program participants and members are encouraged to pull a light bulb and purchase a gift.
The YMCA's Bright Lights campaign helps families who are newcomers in our community during the holiday season. As expected, with the current state of our economy, YMCA Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services staff at the YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo identified 60 families representing 264 individuals with a high degree of need in our community. These families are struggling to provide the basics for themselves and their children as they settle into a new way of life, in a new community. The generosity of our communities has ensured that all 264 individuals received a gift this holiday season.
Many of the individuals served by the Bright Lights campaign are teenagers, young adults, and parents--people who are NOT provided with support from other community agencies during the holiday season.
The YMCA is building a healthy community by supporting families in need. The 2008 Bright Lights campaign has been generously supported by the staff at Maplesoft, the Deer Ridge Foundation, YMCA staff, volunteers, program participants and members. We wish to express our thanks to everyone who participated in the Bright Lights campaign. |
| Upcoming Events |
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The YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre is running a special program called Snow Science at its main site at University & Bridge on Jan. 20 from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. Registration is required. Call 519-741-8585. | |
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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