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YMCAs introduce common Mission, Vision & Values |
Everything a YMCA does is based upon its Mission, Vision and Values, so for the collaboration of our YMCAs to be successful it was important that they both work with a common mission, work towards a common vision and share the same values. As a part of the strategic planning process in 2008, the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo agreed upon a common Mission, Vision and Values.
Learn more about this shared foundation and direction in our recent YMCA Stories newsletter. Both the cover story and John Haddock's CEO message elaborate on this topic. |
| Older adults love Zumba Gold |
 Zumba was definitely one of the hottest fitness trends of 2008 and it's still going strong. Now there is a Zumba Gold class designed especially for older adults, beginners or people who are not used to exercise. Low impact, great fun--and only 45 minutes.
Zumba Gold is offered at both the Chaplin Family YMCA (where it is known as Introduction to Zumba) and the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA.
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| My YMCA Story: Ahmad Zeitoun |
 Ahmad Zeitoun told his story in our recent YMCA Stories newsletter. Ahmad is a dynamic Cambridge youth who won a 2008 YMCA Peace Medallion in the Strong Kids category. In his acceptance speech, he describes how the YMCA played a role in developing his passion for social change and challenges you to join him in building a better world. Tell us how the YMCA has made an impact upon your life or on someone close to you. Use our fillable PDF form or send us an e-mail to ymcastories@ckwymca.ca. We would love to share your story with people interested in the benefits of making the YMCA a part of your life. |
| How you can build strong kids by developing a caring neighbourhood |
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Part of being a community is being interdependent, and part of being a healthy community is lending a hand where you can and asking for help when you need it. Try this:
- Make a map of people in your neighbourhood and make an effort to get to know your neighbours better.
- Hang out in places where you are likely to see neighbours, and make a point of greeting them. Maybe you'll even strike up a conversation.
- Organize a block party.
- Start or join a neighbourhood watch.
For more ideas visit, the Waterloo Region Community Safety & Crime Prevention Council website. |
| Wilderness First Aid Certification course |
The YMCA Outdoor Centre is offering a Wilderness First Aid course in conjunction  with Wilderness Medical Associates Canada. The course is designed to introduce you to backcountry medicine and wilderness medical protocols. Specifically designed for the unique demands of remote settings, the course will focus on three areas: �� How to treat injuries when you are hours or days away from a hospital �� How to give care in extreme environments of cold, heat or altitude �� How to work with limited equipment and provisioning
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| Newcomers overcome challenges starting businesses |
Learn how by reading this article from Canadian Newcomer Magazine or visiting the Business Quest page on the web. This program is in partnership with Lutherwood and funded by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. |
| Fit Tip: Smarter Snacking |
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by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
We do it every day. Snacking is not the enemy. Rather, it's a necessary component to a balanced diet. So how can we do it well?
One useful trend would be to become a grazer. Instead of leaving all your snacking to late night binge eating on high volumes of high calorie foods, learn to graze throughout the day (i.e.. between meals) to keep hunger down and energy up.
Even later evening snacking is fair game, but only if you're genuinely hungry. Try opting for low fat choices with controlled portion sizes. Here are some suggestions: fresh fruit, low fat yogurt, rice cakes/breadsticks/melba toast, low fat granola/cereal bars, homemade muffins where you control the ingredients.
Keep your energy up. Remember: stay fit for life!
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YMCA Host Program video on Youtube |
A video was created by a couple students from the University of Waterloo's Department of Recreation who had volunteered with the YMCA Host Program to help promote it.
Lynn Moffatt was matched in the Host program with a newcomer from Syria. Tanya Casole was matched with a newcomer from Ethiopia.
It has been posted on Youtube. Watch the video ... and then find your match! The video is best in full screen mode.
Funding for the Host program is provided by the Government of Canada through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
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| Leon's celebrates by giving furniture to A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA |
| Leon's is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2009 by investing in charities where they do business. The A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA was the fortunate recipient of $5,000 in home furnishings from Leon's. This generous gift was used in two ways:
1) To create a comfortable waiting area for families participating in aquatics programs
2) To upgrade furniture in The Zone, a supervised games room for youth and teens.
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA wishes Leon's a very happy 100th anniversary! |
| Upcoming Events |
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The YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre is running a "Preparing for parenting" course for new parents at its main site at University & Bridge on Feb. 23 - March 30. Registration is required. Call 519-741-8585.
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On February 17, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign kicked off in both Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. Both launches featured Y Kids getting active and recognized the 
