OTTAWA, 27 January 2011 –
The Taggart Family of Ottawa announced today their commitment of $2 million in support of the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA’s Strengthening the Heart of our Community Capital Campaign. It is the largest single donation in the 144-year history of the Y. To honour this extraordinary gift, the Y’s flagship facility on Argyle Avenue, which is currently undergoing a major revitalization, will be renamed the Taggart Family Y.
"The Y has always been a big part of our family," says Jim Taggart, Chairman of the Taggart Group of Companies and Co-Chair of the Y’s Capital Campaign, along with his brother Keith Taggart. "When we were young and growing up in Ottawa, our mother was a Board Member of the Y, and as kids we took part in camp, childcare, and a number of other programs including swimming."
"Today, our own children and grandchildren are using Y services," adds Keith Taggart. "We hope our support will ensure that quality programming continues to be available to the whole community."
The Taggart Family Y will feature new kids, youth and family zones, modernized fitness facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, expanded child care, refurbished aquatics centre, renewed squash and racquetball courts, and some new learning and skills acquisition spaces, among others.
"We are grateful to the Taggart Family for this historic gift," says Nancy Cook-Johnson, Chair of the Y Board of Directors. "From the start they have given outstanding leadership to the Campaign. Their gift is a true reflection of their commitment to the Y."
The revitalization of the Taggart Family Y is part of a multi-million dollar redevelopment plan which also includes the expansion of the Ruddy Family Y in Orleans and the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Centre in Dunrobin. The Y’s $15 million Capital Campaign, which will support the redevelopment, has now reached 75% of its goal ($11.4 Million). The public is now invited to help support the Campaign. To learn more, visit www.ymcaywca.ca/capitalcampaign.
About the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA
The National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA is a charitable association dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, youth, adults and families through programs that build spirit, mind and body. For over 140 years, the Y has been committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
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For more information, please contact:
Andrea Bailey
Senior Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
613.237.1320 Ext. 5048
andrea.bailey@nationalcapitalregionymca-ywca.ca