For Immediate Release

Local Family Donates $8,600 to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Gift will help bring joy to local children through the YMCA’s Birthday Party Project

Barrie, Ontario – June 6, 2018 – The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka celebrated an $8,600 donation from Gerard Buckley and Mary MacDonald in support of the “Birthday Party Project.” Supporting families in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Midland, the goal of the project, is to provide 48 local children between the ages of 8-12, who are in need of financial assistance, with the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with friends in the community. The donation will also fund an inclusive Halloween party, in partnership with Children’s Treatment Network (CTN), at the Collingwood YMCA for a group 50 children.

“It’s hard to imagine celebrating a child’s birthday without a party or presents. But for many families in our area, finding the extra money to afford a child’s birthday celebration is a struggle and sometimes impossible. The generous donation that Gerard and Mary gave to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka will provide many local children with the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with friends and their YMCA community,” said Brian Shelley, Vice President, Philanthropy, Brand and Community Development, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “This directly reflects the YMCA’s mission and values of inclusiveness, accessibility and community support. We are very thankful for Mary and Gerard’s donation.”

Gerard and Mary have a long history of investing in today’s youth. Mary MacDonald has been an active member and donor of the YMCA for 35 years and has witnessed first hand how the YMCA helps support youth through community based programming. Gerard is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his work with youth and together, Gerard and Mary have established a donor advised fund called the “Buckley & MacDonald Youth Fund,” which supports youth based charities in Canada and abroad. Gerard and Mary want to continue to play an important role in the work the YMCA strives for everyday – building healthy communities where we live and work.

“Mary and I believe that today’s children and youth need to be provided with the support to make them the best possible leaders of tomorrow. We also believe that the success of the YMCA lies in its long-standing commitment to serving all members of the community – especially youth,” said Gerard Buckley. “We are pleased to know that our donation will help local children and youth feel empowered and supported by their community.”

For more information about YMCA community programs and services, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca. To learn more about how to support the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, please visit www.GiveToTheY.ca.

About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. We serve 1 in 5 people throughout Simcoe County and District of Parry Sound and Muskoka. In keeping with our commitment to inclusiveness and accessibility, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers financial assistance to those unable to afford program fees, including thousands of children and youth who experience YMCA camps and programs each year. For more information, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.

Media Contact
Louise Picot
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Communications
705-606-1549
ymca@louisepicot.com