YMCA Kids Challenge: Teaching Kids about Philanthropy

On May 26, more than 19,000 children will hit the pavement and walk “across the GTA” to help families in need across our communities. The YMCA Kids Challenge gets kids from two to 12 years of age involved in this great cause – while also getting active at the same time.

Linda Cottes, the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Senior Vice President of Child & Family Development, says the event was developed to engage children, not just parents, in the YMCA’s values.

“We wanted to engage the whole family in our vision to help others,” she explains, “including the children. So we thought, ‘how do we engage the kids?’ An event seemed like a natural opportunity to teach kids the value of empathy, and marry that with our values on health.”

All funds raised through the YMCA Kids Challenge will provide financial assistance to families who need support. With just over a month to go before event day, kids will begin prepping for the big day. Stretches and exercises will help get them ready for their walk. And in class, kids will discuss empathy. Sounds simple, but maybe not when your students are in pre-school.

“It’s no different than teaching the values of sharing and caring,” says Cottes. “With empathy, we’re helping children to think beyond themselves, to think about others in our communities.”

And they are doing a great job. Last year the event raised more than $175,000 and we plan to do it again this year!

To learn more about the 2016 YMCA Kids Challenge and how you can show your support, visit ymcagta.org/kidschallenge