Town of Petrolia Makes $5K Donation to “Strong Communities Start Here” Program at Petrolia YMCA
Petrolia – The Town of Petrolia is pleased to provide a $5,000 donation towards the opportunities that the Petrolia YMCA provides families, so they may access the Y programs and services offered. This donation is a welcome addition to the program that provided more than $40,000 in financial assistance in 2024.
This donation provides financial assistance for memberships, YMCA facility improvements, new sport and leadership programs for youth, financial assistance for Y day campers, overnight camp experiences, and fitness and social programs for seniors.
The Y describes the program as: “A growing number of our family, friends, and neighbours are having a hard time accessing safe affordable housing, transportation, education, and clean air and water. Many are experiencing racism, discrimination, and violence. This impacts the full potential of health and well-being for everyone in our community.
Some challenges are even greater for newcomers to Canada who are building lives in Southwestern Ontario. As a community builder, the Y works to reduce these barriers through our programs. Our community partnerships support many vulnerable community members and create important pathways into community and opportunities for newcomers. A strong community is one where every individual has a chance to succeed.”
Community Statistics
Income inequality in Canada has increased over the past 20 years with more older adults experiencing poverty each year.
As many as 1 in 7 households don’t have enough money to maintain a healthy diet.
9 in 10 Canadians didn’t attend a live community event or had no involvement in neighbourhood or community projects during the pandemic.
Many newcomers are experiencing poverty in Southwestern Ontario and struggle to find work in their field.
Source: SWAHN Community Health Profile, Angus Reid, Statistics Canada, Fraser Institute, LPRC
The Town of Petrolia is proud of the Petrolia YMCA for their efforts to provide support to families that may otherwise be unable to access the facility.
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Photo: Cheque Presentation L-R Rick Charlebois, Town of Petrolia CAO/Treasurer; Julie Bullock, Town of Petrolia Director of Parks, recreation and Facilities; Wade Babula, Petrolia YMCA General Manager; Joe Cebulski, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Regional Manager – HFA Operations, Lambton/Kent; R. Brad Loosley, Mayor of the Town of Petrolia
