YMCA of Greater Toronto Named One of Canada’s Greenest Employers
Greenhouse, green roof, green thumbs: the YMCA practices environmental sustainability
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is thrilled to be selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the eighth time.
Highlights of sustainability practices at the charity go beyond energy-efficient exercise equipment to include an urban green roof on its Cooper Koo Family Cherry St. YMCA and Electric Vehicle charging stations at both the Central and Markham Ys.
Another source of green pride at the YMCA is the greenhouse at its 263-acre Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre. Made with mostly recycled material, the greenhouse is part of the centre’s organic farm, which provides fresh vegetables to campers and local communities at Y locations across the GTA (Cedar Glen, West End, Cooper Koo and Brampton). Cedar Glen also offers pre-boxed harvest shares of certified organic produce grown onsite and teaches kids about farming at one of its summer camps.
“The YMCA is all about making our communities home to the healthiest children, teens and families. The air we breathe, the land we stand on, the food we eat – it all contributes to our overall health,” said Brandon McClounie, General Manager of Cedar Glen. “That’s why I’m so proud to work for an organization that is truly committed to improving our communities.”
The prestigious Canada’s Greenest Employers designation is given to organizations that are committed to a greener future in their communities. The YMCA of Greater Toronto was assessed based on criteria including its unique environmental initiatives and programs, its success in reducing its environmental footprint, employee involvement and whether the initiatives attract new people to the organization.