YMCA of Greater Toronto Recognized as a Top Employer in a year marked by the pandemic

15 December 2020

Toronto – December 4, 2020 – The YMCA of Greater Toronto is honoured to be selected as one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021 – the 13th year in a row that the charity has received the recognition.

In a news release issued earlier today, the organizers noted the impact of the pandemic on organizations including the YMCA of Greater Toronto. “This year’s list of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers reads like a roll call of the region’s most dynamic and forward-thinking organizations. From industry leaders in finance and software development to world-class healthcare, public sector and non-profit organizations, this year’s winners stand out for their resilience during the pandemic – and for going the extra distance to look after employees and support the community during a period that challenged even the strongest organizations.”

The Y stepped up to transition a number of programs online to help people across the GTA maintain a sense of well-being during the pandemic. Employees also continued to deliver in person services such as shelter for at-risk youth and provided Emergency Child Care for health care and frontline workers before reopening more than 300 child care centres to the broader community. The Y also developed new programs to support older adults, many of whom were already facing isolation before the pandemic, and food security efforts across the region.

“Being recognized with this prestigious award is especially humbling at a time when we’re supporting employees who are rapidly adapting to meet community needs,” says Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. “At the Y, we continually strive to be among the best workplaces and support our thousands of full- and part-time employees. We’re proud to provide diverse and socially-inclusive work environments and opportunities that help employees improve the well-being of our communities, even during the pandemic.”

The YMCA of Greater Toronto offers a range of employment opportunities for a variety of roles including early childhood educators, fitness professionals, employment counsellors, camp counsellors and outdoor educators across the GTA. In addition to being among the 2020 Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, the YMCA of Greater Toronto was also recognized in 2020 as one of Canada’s top employers for young people, a best diversity employer and a green employer.

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. For over 165 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Serving diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area with kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism, last year the YMCA made more than 700,000 connections across 450 locations. For more information visit theystepsup.ymcagta.org.

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Brittany Arnold, arnold@veritasinc.com, 905-926-1863

Camille Cote-Begin, cotebegin@veritasinc.com, 416-819-2035