April 7, 2010, Ottawa, ON – Local community leader and run co-chair Gavin Lumsden of Rogers TV, Channel 22, joined staff and friends of the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA on the first night of an 8-week Y Training Group for Runners.
Gavin spoke last night with the group at the Metro Central Y on Argyle Street about his concerns about childhood obesity, saying "I work with the Y because they are the only organization that is dealing with the issue of childhood obesity head-on. They are developing the infrastructure and programming that gets kids moving!" He participated in the run last year in honour of his friend Sean Egan and created the Sean Egan Endowment Fund in support of the Y Kids Fit Program, a program that helps families and kids facing obesity. He is supporting the run again this year and is helping to raise funds for the Y’s new Kids Zones.
As part of the Ottawa Race Weekend, runners and walkers will raise major dollars to fight childhood obesity and build new Y Kids Zones in the Ruddy Family Centre YMCA-YWCA (formerly the Orleans Y) and the Metro Central Y. Pledges from the run will support the Y as it strives to further develop the infrastructure
and programming that will help GET KIDS MOVING!
Y Regional Director for the Metro Central Y and Ironman Triathlete Rob Adams gave an overview of the training plans that members will use as they prepare for the 5k and 10k funs on Ottawa Race Weekend, May 29-30. “It’s all about getting moving,” said Adams of his runners. ““Running should not feel like work, it
should be enjoyable. There’s always a hump to get over related to fitness, but that’s doable. And we started our work training for the 5k and 10 k races tonight.”
Runners will meet at the Y every second Tuesday until the race on May 29-30 for a mandatory training run. Runners and walkers will hear motivational speakers and learn more about how to train at these sessions.
Sylvie Madely, Vice President, Financial Development and Communications at the Y said “This fundraiser, Y Ascent for Kids, is part of our Capital Campaign. Y Ascent for Kids is all about raising children’s activity levels, and building a healthy and active community. It’s an event that shows the core of our activities at the
Y – building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”
The Y is a not-for-profit organization and for over 140 years, we have been committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Our programs and services are accessible to everyone regardless of ability to pay.
In 2008, the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA launched a Capital Campaign entitled “Strengthening the Heart of the Community.” The Campaign is expected to raise $15 million from the public. This money will be used towards a $35 million redevelopment project that will rejuvenate the Y programs and facilities in the greater Ottawa area. The rest of the funding will come from two levels of government (federal and provincial), operational contributions, and debt financing. The funds will be used to:
- revamp the Metro Central branch on Argyle Avenue;
- expand facilities in Orleans;
- redevelop the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Centre; and
- introduce new programs and services.
For more information, visit www.yascentforkids.ca or contact:
Trudy Chapman Senior Director, Communications and Development, Capital Campaign
613-237-1320 Ext. 3998 613-219-9199 (cell)
trudy.chapman@nationalcapitalregionymca-ywca.ca
Sylvie Madely, Vice-President (Financial Development and Communications)
613-237-1320 Ext. 5045
sylvie.madely@nationalcaptialregionymca-ywca.ca