Little girl by the pool

How We Help

Our donors help the Y invest in neighbourhoods over the long term, sustainably delivering the core programs people rely on us for: child care, health and fitness, camps, and employment and immigrant services. But as our communities grow and change, so do we. Donations enable our Y to be responsive, adapting to meet the unique needs of our time.

Proven programs meeting urgent needs

Across our network of 440+ locations, the YMCA of Greater Toronto provides:
  • Shelters and drop-in centres where youth experiencing homelessness find a warm meal, safe place to sleep, and wrap-around supports.
  • Immigrant settlement services that help newcomers find work, develop their language skills, and learn about their new home.
  • Child care programs that enable parents to pursue their careers or education while their kids learn and grow in the care of trained experts.
  • Health and fitness programs that help people of all ages and abilities support their physical and mental health.
  • Camping and outdoor education programs that connect people with nature and help push them out of their comfort zones.
  • Employment services that support job seekers navigating our precarious labour market.

Making an impact where it's needed most, for the people who need it most

Teens working together outside to support high ropes

Donations support our charity's research-backed approach to addressing critical issues and serving vulnerable groups in the GTA.

In planning our programs, services, and facilities, we take steps to determine a neighbourhood’s needs. We evaluate the area’s demographic composition, current health of the community, and viability of operating a Y in the area long term. Through this work, we identify specific groups that could benefit from access to YMCA services, such as newcomers, residents living on a low income, young families, youth at risk, and older adults.

Why it matters

Our research shows where there’s a Y, there’s better well-being. The whole community — both people who use our programs and those who don’t — experience better well-being, general and mental health, and a stronger sense of belonging when there’s a Y in their neighbourhood.

YMCA members are 19% more likely to have high life satisfaction.

19%

Support causes you care about

Our donors support a wide range of YMCA programs and projects, investing in their local communities and making a difference in ways that are important to them. Find the cause that’s right for you.