YMCA of Greater Toronto Recognized as One of Canada’s Greenest Employers
Our charity is doing our part to support sustainability and resilience to climate change
Toronto— The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to be selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the 12th consecutive year. This award recognizes the YMCA for creating a culture of environmental awareness, developing earth-friendly initiatives, and demonstrating environmental leadership.
The YMCA has implemented initiatives to build community resilience to adapt to the physical, social, and economic challenges of climate change, and to demonstrate climate change leadership in the community.
This year, the Y was recognized for:
• Establishing a dedicated Green Fund to support ongoing green initiatives, helping to fund facility improvements and sustainable new building practices
• Leading and supporting a range of environmental initiatives, joining with like-minded colleagues and volunteering with one of 10 green teams across the organization
• Along with the addition of green roofs to its urban locations (including one of the largest with public access), the 1.6-hectare property at the YMCA Cedar Glen location includes a large certified organic garden, two honeybee apiaries, facilities to produce maple syrup, and a greenhouse built from recycled and reused materials
"We’re thrilled to be selected for the 12th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers," says Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. "Now more than ever, it’s important to be mindful of our charity’s environmental practices as sustainability continues to play a critical role for our future."
This past year, the YMCA of Greater Toronto committed to continued progress on building community resilience to combat climate change, including in-house waste reduction and recycling programs as well as partnerships with community organizations like Tree Canada, ultimately igniting the potential in people to help them grow, lead and give back to their communities. The YMCA of Greater Toronto reports its progress in an annual Sustainability Report.
In addition to being among Canada’s Greenest Employers this year, the YMCA of Greater Toronto was also recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employer for Young People (2022) and one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers (2022).
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 170 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. Promoting equity and boosting well-being across more than 400 locations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), we are a leading charity that helps everyone shine, including our most vulnerable community members. To join our team, visit ymcagta.org.
