YMCA of Greater Toronto & Aga Khan Museum launch partnership with mindfulness and educational sessions
Two charities join forces to bring well-being to the community in innovative ways
TORONTO, July 28, 2021 – Today, the YMCA of Greater Toronto (YMCA) and the Aga Khan Museum announced their new partnership with a meditation class — their first physically distanced co-hosted gathering and one of many expected this summer. This partnership came as a natural fit for the two organizations, both leaders in programming with a focus on inclusion and diversity. Through virtual and in-person events, the YMCA of Greater Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum will bring members of the community together in new and innovative ways to support overall health and well-being.
The meditation class kickstarted an ongoing series of virtual and in-person mindfulness and educational sessions offered by the YMCA and the Aga Khan Museum. Now that Ontario is in Stage 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, the YMCA and the Aga Khan Museum will be able to offer mindfulness classes both in person and online. Educational sessions hosted by Aga Khan Museum curators will be offered virtually through The Bright Spot, the YMCA’s online community for older adults, and the Museum’s virtual #MuseumWithoutWalls.
Mindfulness sessions offered through this partnership aim to provide participants with a serene means of practising mindfulness meditation, a method of meditation that combines “probing for inner truth” with physical relaxation. The educational sessions available via The Bright Spot and the #MuseumWithoutWalls will take viewers on a virtual exploration of the Aga Khan Museum with specialized Museum curators. These sessions will explore displays, collections, objects and more in an interactive and engaging manner.
“This is a really exciting partnership for the YMCA of Greater Toronto. As we continue building new relationships with organizations that have similar values and goals like the Aga Khan Museum, we’re able to deliver new, innovative and original programming to our shared communities,” said Medhat Mahdy, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. “At a time when a return to normalcy is in sight, we’re offering both virtual and in-person programming to help improve people’s overall health and well-being.”
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people have looked to the YMCA of Greater Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum for solace, inspiration, and opportunities to stay connected,” said Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis, the Museum’s Director and CEO. “By partnering together, our two organizations will touch even more lives with programs that promote inner peace and contemplation, spark curiosity, and strengthen community bonds.”
For more information on the YMCA of Greater Toronto visit: www.ymcagta.org.
For more information on Aga Khan Museum, visit: www.agakhanmuseum.org.
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. Serving diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area with kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect and optimism, at 450 locations. For more information visit ymcagta.org.
About the Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, was established by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage while often reflecting, through both its permanent and temporary exhibitions, how cultures connect with one another. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare site with Toronto’s Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.
Camille Cote-Begin, cotebegin@veritasinc.com, (416)-819-2035
Brittany Arnold, arnold@veritasinc.com, (905) 926-1863
