Healthy Communities • Support the Y • Y Stories
From fitness to fundraising: Sharon’s Y story
26 July 2019 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Our Y depends on almost 5,500 volunteers to help us deliver on our mission each and every day. Without them, we couldn’t offer so much support to so many people who need us most.
In addition to the volunteers helping in our centres, there are many dedicated individuals working behind the scenes. One of these volunteers is Sharon, a long-time member and fitness instructor turned fundraising volunteer.
A decade later, Sharon isn't only making the most of her classes, but also leading others by example — in and outside of the gym.
Today, she volunteers as an instructor of a weekly fitness class, and is a champion for giving back as one of our Development Council fundraising volunteers.
Sharon calls her family a “Y family" because she participates in programs alongside her husband and daughter. Through volunteering and supporting the Y, she hopes to help give more families the same opportunity.
“The Y does fantastic work to support kids and families,” she explains. “And it touches our communities in so many different ways — through employment services, connecting youth to Teen Nights, and the centres enhance our entire well-being.”
We couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers like Sharon. Join her in making your community a healthier, more connected place to call home.
In addition to the volunteers helping in our centres, there are many dedicated individuals working behind the scenes. One of these volunteers is Sharon, a long-time member and fitness instructor turned fundraising volunteer.
“I didn’t feel confident as a kid at physical activity. I always tried to avoid gym class,” she says. “As an adult, I went to a gym but stayed at the back of the class. But when I saw the opportunity to become a volunteer instructor through a YMCA course, I thought I would take the personal challenge.”
A decade later, Sharon isn't only making the most of her classes, but also leading others by example — in and outside of the gym.
Today, she volunteers as an instructor of a weekly fitness class, and is a champion for giving back as one of our Development Council fundraising volunteers.
“Like so many others, I’m so passionate about the Y,” she says. “You can see the results of your contribution.”
Sharon calls her family a “Y family" because she participates in programs alongside her husband and daughter. Through volunteering and supporting the Y, she hopes to help give more families the same opportunity.
“The Y does fantastic work to support kids and families,” she explains. “And it touches our communities in so many different ways — through employment services, connecting youth to Teen Nights, and the centres enhance our entire well-being.”
“In a big city like Toronto, it’s easy to get lost. The Y helps people find their place.”
We couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers like Sharon. Join her in making your community a healthier, more connected place to call home.
